By MOAA Staff

As another federal fiscal cliff approaches Jan. 30, the only thing certain for servicemembers and their families … is continued uncertainty.

Without defense appropriations or last-minute budget moves similar to those used during the latest shutdown, military members would continue to serve without receiving a paycheck. Members of the Coast Guard and of the commissioned corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and NOAA face a future that’s just as murky – USPHS and NOAA officers missed checks last year, including some officers who were serving alongside others in uniform.

While lawmakers continue their budget debates, they can lend at least some clarity to a shutdown process that has, unfortunately, become a regular occurrence. The Shutdown Fairness Act (S. 3168) would allow the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security to continue paying servicemembers during any future funding lapse.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the Shutdown Fairness Act]

The bill specifically notes the protection of National Guard and Reserve members, who would be compensated for both active service and inactive duty training. It does not specify protections for USPHS and NOAA officers; MOAA will continue outreach efforts with lawmakers, who should add such protections before the legislation reaches a vote.

Simplifying (and Securing) Pay

The best solution remains a timely appropriations process, but Congress has failed to pass a full slate of appropriations bills on time for nearly three decades. Agencies are funded piecemeal, adding even more confusion for those in uniform.

This year is no different – no votes are planned for defense appropriations, for example, but the Senate could move this week on a funding bill that includes money for the Department of Commerce. This would allow NOAA Commissioned Corps members (and retirees) to receive their pay moving forward while the vast majority of those in uniform received no such guarantee – a reversal from last year, when NOAA officers navigated hurricanes without clarity on their paychecks.

MOAA believes in protecting the service-earned compensation for all in uniform – ongoing uncertainty not only shows a lack of commitment to the well-being of the all-volunteer force, it also puts retention at risk, as servicemembers facing regular financial disruptions may consider other career options.

The Shutdown Fairness Act – with adjustments to cover all who serve – would prevent servicemembers from becoming pawns in future budget negotiations. Ask your lawmakers to support this legislation and end what’s become a vicious circle.