WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate passed legislation to reopen the government on Monday, bringing the longest government shutdown closer to an end. Though an end is in sight, United States Marines are among the many citizens impacted by the gridlocked government, struggling to find a middle ground over the ACA tax credit.
The shutdown has negatively affected various government employees, officials, and everyday citizens. Among this list, citizens serving in the United States military feel the effects of the shutdown.
Lance Corporal Austin Tredinnick, a machine gunner in the Marine Corps, shares his experience with the government shutdown.
“When talk of the government shutdown started, many of us were concerned as to whether or not we would get paid. The biggest effect on us Marines is not being sure when or if we’ll get our next paycheck,” he said.
During this time, they still attend formation, complete physical training, and spend time in the armory doing gun drills, but exert themselves unpaid. Though informed by leadership that the Navy Federal Government Shutdown Assistance Program would give them a full paycheck even if the government doesn’t, it’s treated as a loan that they will eventually have to pay back once the government pays its working employees.
For active-duty service members, uncertainty about pay has begun to impact morale.
Lance Corporal Luke Krause, a team leader in the Marine Corps, provides insight into his unit’s functions and actions once informed of the government shutdown.
“There are no adjustments from our unit; the government tells us to work, and we are expected to work without pay,” said Krause.
“A lot of people are putting in less effort; it’s a snowball effect where most of us are feeling like, ‘If you don’t care about me and you don’t care enough to pay me, then I don’t care enough to do my job for you,’” he added.
Service members are expected to continue their work without pay, even though their funding is impacted.
“We are doing one of the most honorable jobs, and yet civilians believe we aren’t doing anything for them,” said Krause.
“I hope the government opens up and never shuts back down. The Republican Party and Democratic Party need to learn to act as a whole for the people of the United States of America.”
As Congress moves toward reopening the government, Marines like Krause and Tredinnick remain committed to their duties, even amid financial uncertainty.
