The American Legion to Congress: Government Shutdown Jeopardizes National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Legion today called on Congress to end its political standoff and prioritize legislative action to avert a government shutdown on September 30th. In its urgent call for action, The American Legion highlighted potential impacts a disruption to government funding may create. Congress must take additional action to ensure all servicemembers receive pay if a funding lapse occurs.

The American Legion’s National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer issued the following statement:

“It’s time for Congress to prioritize our servicemembers, nation and national security. On behalf of our 1.6 million dues-paying members of The American Legion, I urge Congress to end its political posturing and take swift, bipartisan action to prevent the devastation of a government shutdown. The totality of a shutdown would be catastrophic.”

A government shutdown threatens the following consequences:

1. Servicemembers: Diminished quality of life for servicemembers; financial instability of servicemembers; decreased access to mental health resources; disruption to training, exercises, and operations; financial hardship; reduced access to morale, welfare, and recreation activities.

2. Military Families: Loss of civilian employment, financial hardship, uncertainty for families facing reassignment.

3. National Security: Reduced military readiness, diminished deterrence, weakened diplomacy, delays in infrastructure development and increased strain to stretched defense industrial complex.

Background:

The American Legion is the nation’s largest veteran service organization. The following Legionnaire-led resolutions provide topic-specific points of view related to content outlined:

1. Resolution No. 16: Coast Guard Pay Discrimination

2. Resolution No. 11: Department of Defense Budget

3. Resolution No. 98: Continuation of Military Death Benefits During Government Shutdown