Murkowski Insists Negotiations Should Not Affect Troop Pay
“We Must Protect Those Who Protect Us”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski today co-sponsored the Protecting Military Pay Act of 2011 (S. 1365), legislation introduced by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) that prioritizes the payment of military salaries in the event of a worst-case scenario funding gap.
“As we continue to address the debt and deficit here in Washington, I remain optimistic about finding a resolution to our stalemate – but I have to expect the best, while preparing for the worst,” Murkowski said. “And that means looking out for our men and women serving overseas who are putting their life on the line defending America and American principles, as well as those serving back home. We must protect those who protect us.”
The United States government is currently in the middle of a debate over the future fiscal course of the nation, while the Department of Treasury has indicated the deadline to raise the nation’s “debt limit” is next Tuesday. There are no guarantees that America’s military would receive paychecks if the deadline passes without an agreement on the debt limit.
The bill would also prioritize the United States’ debt, ensuring that its creditors continue to receive regularly scheduled payments – to ensure that America’s credit rating suffers as little as possible. “America honors its obligations and pays its debts,” Murkowski added. “Failure to do so could undermine our credit worthiness and financial system altogether.”
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