Should payment for defense and federal law enforcement officials be prioritized in the event of budgetary impasse?
Bill Summary
This bill would ensure that payment is provided to active service members of the Armed Forces and critical members of federal law enforcement in the event that the debt ceiling is reached. The bill would also create a channel to provide emergency Congressional appropriations to these defense and federal law enforcement officials during periods of gaps in funding. Sponsor: Brian Fitzpatrick [R-PA-8]
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Opponents say
• S.H. Blannelberry, a writer for Guns.com, questions, “If there’s only so much money to go around, how do we prioritize the rest of our obligations? For example: Medicare/Medicaid, Military Salaries, Interest on the Debt, Social Security, Discretionary Spending?”
• According to Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn [R-TX], “We’re going to need to raise the debt limit. [But] we’re talking about different options.”
• According to Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn [R-TX], “We’re going to need to raise the debt limit. [But] we’re talking about different options.”
Proponents say
• Rep. Fitzpatrick, the sponsor of the bill, notes, “Our nation’s service men and women, and members of the law enforcement community, put their lives on the line in protection of our nation. The last thing they should have to worry about is receiving a paycheck because of budget battles in Washington.”
• According to Jon Adler, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, “This critically important legislation will ensure that federal law enforcement continues to be funded and able to protect our homeland during any lapse in government funding.”
• According to Jon Adler, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, “This critically important legislation will ensure that federal law enforcement continues to be funded and able to protect our homeland during any lapse in government funding.”
- Legislation Introduced to Shield Military and Law Enforcement Community During a Budget Impasse
- H.R. 2886, SHIELD Act of 2011: Protecting Those Who Protect Us
- FLEOA Supports Rep. Fitzpatrick’s Reintroduction of the SHIELD Act
- GOP Clash Looms Over Raising the Debt Ceiling
- The Looming Debt Ceiling Crisis, Explained
