If you serve in four branches of our nation's uniformed services--the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force--you are receiving pay during the current federal shutdown. But if you're serving in uniform in the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, and NOAA to defend New York Harbor and other areas of our nation and national interests across the globe--you aren't receiving pay during the shutdown. In NYC especially, that's a severe hardship for you and your family. Our defenders shouldn't be forced to suffer because of political turmoil in Washington, DC.

Last Monday, we called on on Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and the NYC Congressional delegation to immediately pass legislation to pay all of our nation's uniformed service members, to include those who defend our own city and our harbor.

We've been in touch with the offices of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and we've also reached out to each member of our NYC Congressional delegation. We urge our members and community to call and email their Congressional representatives today. Click HERE to find contact information for your representatives.

UPDATE: Rep. Max Rose was the first NYC Member of Congress to sign onto H.R.376 to pay the Coast Guard; since we began reaching out, Rep. Engel and Rep. Espaillat have also signed on. Please keep calling and writing your representatives!

View our letter to our Members of Congress HERE.

View our letter to our Senators HERE.

This shutdown is harmful to NYC veterans. While the VA remains fully open, there are approximately 15,000-20,000 veterans who are federal employees in NYC who are currently furloughed or working without pay. There are also veterans who are business owners and contractors doing business with the federal government who will not receive any of the backpay or protections of federal employees. 

If you are a veteran, servicemember, or family member affected by the shutdown in NYC, please contact the NYC Department of Veterans' Services at 311 or 212-416-5250 to get connected with VetConnectNYC and the full spectrum of resources offered by government and nonprofit organizations to help you through the shutdown.