US Coast Guard faces pay halt and utility shutoffs in DHS funding lapse
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Apr 30
US Coast Guard faces pay halt and utility shutoffs in DHS funding lapse
10 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Apr 30
Commandant Adm Kevin Lunday said the service owes more than $300m, with 6,000 unpaid utility bills worth $5.2m and first missed paychecks expected on 15 May.
Water, electricity and gas outages have hit sites in Michigan, California, Hawaii, Missouri and New Orleans, while nearly 1,000 housing units risk shutoffs and 43% have invoices over 30 days late.
The 75-day lapse has canceled 30 security exercises, delayed training, stalled bridge permits and left nearly 19,000 mariner credentials and 5,000 medical certifications backlogged as 45,000 active-duty members keep serving worldwide.
How can the Coast Guard defend America’s shores when it struggles to keep the lights on for its own families at home?
What permanent solutions can protect national security services from being crippled by future government funding disputes?