Admiral Schultz: Coast Guard Members Should Not ‘Shoulder Burden’ of Government Shutdown

Updated: February 5, 2026 (Originally published January 23, 2019)

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz says it is “unacceptable” that Coast Guard servicemembers must rely on food pantries and donations amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, now in its 32nd day.

On Friday, Coast Guard members and employees will miss their second paycheck of the shutdown.

The shutdown has impacted pay to some 42,000 service members and 8,000 civilian employees.

“To the best of my knowledge, this marks the first time in our Nation’s history that servicemembers in a U.S. Armed Force have not been paid during a lapse in appropriations,” wrote Admiral Schultz in a tweet on January 15.

As the only military service falling under the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard has been uniquely impacted by the shutdown. Since many of the Coast Guard’s operations are deemed essential for national security and protection of life and property, service members and employees continue to work without pay during the lapse in appropriations. 

For information about the lapse in appropriations’ impact on the Coast Guard, see here. 

Admiral Schultz’s latest message to the Coast Guard members, employees and retirees is below:

Your Coast Guard leadership team & the American people stand in awe of your continued dedication to duty, resilience, & that of your families. I find it unacceptable that @USCG members must rely on food pantries & donations to get through day-to-day life. #uscg pic.twitter.com/TZ9ppUidyO

— Admiral Karl Schultz (@ComdtUSCG) January 23, 2019

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