Government Shutdown Legislative Update

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There are several pieces of legislation in Congress that could have a direct impact on the way that a government shutdown would impact military service members.  I'm going to try to summarize the current situation here, and hopefully we will be able to keep updates flowing throughout the day.  Part of me thinks that there is little point in keeping up with every small change in status, the other part of me thinks that it is useful news.  If you are more of a "let me know how it ends" sort of person, this information might make you crazy!

So, as of right now, here's what we've got:

House Resolution 1 (HR1), Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2011


  • Purpose:  To fund the Department of Defense through fiscal year 2011, which ends on 30 September 2011

  • Last Important Action:  8 March 2011

  • Current Situation:  Has passed the House.

  • My completely amateur opinion:  I don't think this one is going anywhere.  There is so much "stuff" attached that it is opposed by numerous groups.


House Resolution 1297 (HR1297), titled the Ensuring Pay for Our Military Act of 2011

  • Purpose:  To guarantee that military pay would not be impacted by a government funding gap due to the lack of an approved federal budget.

  • Last action:  31 March 2011

  • Current situation:  This bill has been referred to the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.


House Resolution 1363, Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments 2011

  • Purpose:  To secure Department of Defense Funding for the rest of the fiscal year.

  • Last Action:  4 April 2011 7 April 2011

  • Current situation:  Passed House


Senate 721, A bill to appropriate such funds as may be necessary to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components thereof, continue to receive pay and allowances for active service performed when a funding gap caused by the failure to enact interim or full-year appropriations for the Armed Forces occurs, which results in the furlough of non-emergency personnel and the curtailment of Government activities and services.

  • Last Action:  4 April 2011

  • Current Situation:  Has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

  • My completely amateur opinion:  I am baffled as to why this could be opposed.


Please feel free to add more information in the comments.  I am in a military finance training class this week and it is seriously cutting into my time to research all this stuff.  Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

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