Ahead of Looming Government Shutdown, Rep. Sykes Introduces Legislation to Pay our Military & Keep Food on the Table
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With Republicans’ chaos marching the country towards a devastating government shutdown, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced legislation to support Americans and provide stability in the case of a government shutdown. Her bipartisan Pay Our Military Act would ensure pay continues to our service men and women during a government shutdown, while the Feed Our Families Act would ensure families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can continue to access their benefits up to three months after a shutdown occurs. The Feed our Families Act is co-led by Rep. Shontel Brown (OH-11). The Pay Our Military Act is co-led by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02).
“House and Senate Republicans have had months to extend critical ACA tax credits that keep monthly healthcare premiums down and pass a bipartisan spending bill before the deadline,” said Rep. Sykes. “Instead of meeting the needs of seniors, veterans, and families, they have chosen to leave town and abdicate their responsibilities. I’ve repeatedly stated I will work with anyone, anywhere, anytime who will help me lower costs and increase opportunity – but rather than work with Democrats, House Republicans left town and refuse to do their jobs.”
Rep. Sykes is calling on House leadership to take immediate action on her legislation to support Americans and provide stability in the case of a government shutdown.
The Feed Our Families Act would prevent a catastrophic funding cliff that will imperil the more than 40 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Because SNAP requires an annual appropriation made by Congress, millions of Americans are made vulnerable every time that Congress cannot fulfill its most basic duty – to fund the government. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, the Trump Administration was forced to exercise budgetary workarounds to ensure that SNAP recipients had access to their benefits. There are 45,546 households in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District that rely on SNAP benefits.
“No American should ever go hungry because of Congress’ failure to fund SNAP,” said Rep. Sykes. “The Feed Our Families Act will ensure millions of Americans, including thousands of constituents in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District who rely on SNAP, will still be able to put food on their tables in the event of a government shutdown.”
“Nutrition benefits aren’t a line item for my constituents - they’re a lifeline. Partisan disagreements shouldn't punish people in need, but an extended government shutdown puts SNAP benefits at risk. I’m proud to co-lead this important legislation with Congresswoman Sykes to ensure that no one goes hungry because of a government shutdown,” said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.
The Pay Our Military Act would provide appropriations for pay and support for all members of the Armed Forces, civilian personnel at the Department of Defense, members of the Coast Guard, necessary contractors, and reservists during a government shutdown. More than 40,000 veterans live in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, and more than 6,000 active-duty military members reside in Ohio.
“The men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line for us every day should never have to worry about going without a paycheck. The Pay Our Military Act will ensure our military can continue to serve our country and keep Americans safe if a government shutdown occurs,” said Rep. Sykes.
“Even if the government shuts down, we need to pay the men and women who are protecting our country 24 hours a day from those who wish to destroy America,” said Rep. Bacon. “Our service members are not pawns; they are essential to the very core of our country’s freedom and way of life. They will be required to work, no matter what, and should not miss out on a paycheck.”