Nashville Standard

Rep. Mark Green has reintroduced two significant pieces of legislation aimed at ensuring the financial stability of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and frontline employees of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during government shutdowns.

The Coast Guard Sustained Funding Act seeks to guarantee that Coast Guard members receive their pay even if there is a lapse in appropriations. Rep. Green emphasized the critical role played by the Coast Guard, stating, “Coast Guardsmen risk their lives to defend our waters, enforce U.S. maritime law, safeguard the movement of maritime commerce and economic activity, and conduct search and rescue operations." He further added that "the Coast Guard should not have to wait on Congress to pass an appropriations bill in order to receive payment for their service."

Additionally, the Homeland Heroes Pay Act aims to ensure that CBP and ICE employees are paid without interruption during funding lapses. Rep. Green highlighted the importance of these agencies' work: “Our nation’s officers and agents within CBP and ICE work around the clock to secure our borders and protect our communities." He stressed that "those working to defend our nation from criminal aliens and terrorists attempting to cross our borders should never have to worry about when their next paycheck will arrive.”

The Coast Guard Sustained Funding Act has received support from Representatives Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Monica De La Cruz (R-FL). Meanwhile, the Homeland Heroes Pay Act is cosponsored by Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) along with Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).

For more information on these legislative efforts, readers can access details through links provided in related publications.