Thanks to the decisive leadership of President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, thousands of America’s service members and their families have been spared the devastating hardship of missing their well-earned paychecks.
While Congress continues to stall, the administration’s swift action has ensured that those defending our nation can meet their most basic needs like paying bills, buying groceries, covering childcare, and maintaining the stability their families depend on. The impact of this decision is immeasurable, restoring a sense of security for the men and women who stand guard for ours.
But this relief is only partial. Every day that the government remains shut down, our military readiness erodes. Critical programs that sustain America’s deterrence, modernization, and global posture are being delayed or halted altogether. At the same time, our adversaries are watching and seizing every opportunity to advance their own capabilities while ours are forced to wait.
This situation is entirely avoidable, the strength and unity of our nation should never be held back by political gridlock. It’s time for Congress to show the same leadership and resolve demonstrated by the administration by ending this shutdown, restoring stability, and reaffirming our commitment to those who serve.
America’s troops should never again face uncertainty about their pay or their mission. Our national security demands nothing less.
Hooff Cooksey,
Executive Director, Veterans On Duty
