With a potential federal government shutdown just days away, Iowa 4th District Representative Randy Feenstra is cosponsoring legislation he says is necessary to maintain national security. Today (Thursday), Feenstra attached his name to two bills: the Pay Our Troops Act and the Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act. Feenstra says, “Our troops and border patrol agents make incredible sacrifices to defend our country and protect our families from drug traffickers, criminals, terrorists, and other bad actors. It is only right that they receive their full pay–uninterrupted–in the event of a government shutdown. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to introduce two bills that honor our promise to our men and women in uniform. As an unwavering advocate for our military and our border patrol agents, I will always support those brave Americans who put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms and keep us safe.” The bill, if adopted, would appropriate funds from the U.S. Treasury Department to maintain pay for servicemembers and border agents if appropriations through the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security lapse. Congress has until midnight on Saturday to reach a deal to avoid a government shutdown. Most Americans won’t notice a difference in their day-to-day lives if a shutdown occurs.
