In a surprising reversal, the Coast Guard announced that service members will be paid their next paychecks despite the ongoing government shutdown.
While the news came as a relief to Coast Guard families, they still have mixed feelings, because the decision only covers the next paycheck.
“Disappointed, frustrated,” said Katy Hensevelt when asked how she felt about the government shutdown.
Hensevelt is a mother of two in Bonney Lake. Her husband has been in the Coast Guard for almost 16 years.
“He's getting ready to leave again, and instead of spending that time together and enjoying our family, we're calling financial institutions and saying, 'Hey, do you mind if we defer the payment for this month?'” Hensevelt explained.
But in a surprising reversal Friday night, the service and Department of Homeland Security officials identified a las -minute way to pay Coast Guard military members on Dec. 31. But they did not provide details on how it would cover the $75 million shortfall in funding.
Members had been feeling the pinch, because it's the only branch of the military that is funded by Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense.
“Makes us feel overlooked,” Hensevelt added.
The Coast Guard has still been providing essential missions like search and rescue, securing the nation's ports and coastlines and other law enforcement duties.
There are 42,000 active duty Coast Guard members. Of those, just a little more than 2,800 are stationed in the Coast Guard 13th District, which covers Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. In the 13th District, there are a little than more 220 civilians, who are considered nonessential personnel and have been furloughed.
“It's frustrating, because you wonder why? Why?” said Hensevelt. “And they're projecting this might be one of the longest shutdowns we've seen in recent years. And when you're getting emails from your ombudsman, (saying) prepare for not getting (a) paycheck until possibly February, it's really disheartening.”
KIRO 7 also spoke to another woman named Jen from Tacoma, who was worried she wouldn't receive her monthly child support payments from her ex-husband, who is in the Coast Guard.
"We're possibly having to get payday loans, or dip into savings, use credit cards we don't normally use so our kids won't go without," Jen explained.
As for Hensevelt, she's grateful for the last-minute deal, but her family is not out of the woods yet, because the deal only guarantees the next paycheck. Congress still has to pass a resolution, and she has a message for lawmakers.
“I hope I can help bring awareness to the fact that the Coast Guard is an essential part (of) the armed forces. And we exist, we should get the same treatment the other branches get,” Hensevelt said.
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