House GOP Presses Trump On Worker Pay
As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, more than 41,000 U.S. Coast Guard members could soon miss a paycheck — and House Republicans are calling on President Donald Trump to take decisive action.
With the DHS funding lapse now impacting multiple agencies, lawmakers say the situation is urgent — especially for service members who are still reporting to duty without pay.
DHS Shutdown Leaves Coast Guard Members Working Without Pay
The partial government shutdown has halted funding for the Department of Homeland Security, directly affecting Coast Guard personnel who operate under DHS authority.
Despite the shutdown, Coast Guard members continue to:
- Patrol America’s coastlines
- Secure major ports
- Intercept illegal narcotics
- Protect maritime borders
- Conduct life-saving search-and-rescue operations
More than 41,000 active-duty and activated Reserve Coast Guard members now face the possibility of missing their next scheduled payday if DHS funding is not restored.
Republican lawmakers argue that these service members — who are critical to national security — should never be caught in the middle of Washington’s political battles.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis Leads Effort to Protect Military Payroll
The push is being led by Nicole Malliotakis and more than a dozen House Republicans representing districts with significant Coast Guard presence.
In a formal letter to President Trump, the lawmakers urged him to use executive authority to protect Coast Guard pay — similar to actions taken during a previous shutdown when the administration ensured military personnel continued receiving paychecks.
They emphasized that Coast Guard members have continued serving “with courage and professionalism” despite uncertainty about their compensation.
Senate Democrats Block DHS Funding Bill
The shutdown stems from Senate Democrats blocking a House-passed DHS appropriations bill for the current fiscal year.
Republicans say the funding dispute intensified after Democrats demanded changes to immigration enforcement provisions. Funding for immigration enforcement had already been addressed under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” but broader DHS funding remains stalled.
As a result, multiple agencies face funding disruptions, including:
- FEMA
- The Coast Guard
- The Secret Service
- The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
- The Transportation Security Administration
Republicans have sharply criticized Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, arguing that homeland security personnel should not be used as leverage in partisan negotiations.
Trump Previously Protected Military Pay During Shutdown
During last year’s government shutdown, the Trump administration directed the Pentagon to identify available funds to ensure military service members continued receiving pay.
Billions in unobligated research and development funds were redirected to maintain payroll during the funding lapse.
House Republicans are now urging President Trump to once again use “every authority available” to prevent Coast Guard members from missing pay during the DHS shutdown.
Why This Matters for American Families
For many Americans — particularly veterans, retirees, and families in coastal communities — the Coast Guard is more than just another federal agency.
It is a branch of the armed services tasked with protecting the homeland.
Lawmakers argue that these men and women have faithfully upheld their oath to serve the country — and they deserve financial stability while they do it.
As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, pressure is mounting for a resolution that protects both national security and the livelihoods of those who defend it.
