Here’s something that shouldn’t be controversial: people who protect our country should probably get paid for doing it.
Yet for 76 days, that wasn’t the case for thousands of Department of Homeland Security workers.
The good news? Congress finally passed legislation on Thursday to restore funding for most DHS agencies, ending a shutdown that hit Coast Guard members, TSA officers, Secret Service agents, FEMA employees, and cybersecurity staff squarely in the wallet. The bill is expected to be signed into law quickly, which means paychecks can start flowing again to the folks who’ve been showing up to work regardless.
“DCUC applauds Congress for taking action to end this partial shutdown and provide long-overdue relief to the men and women who continued serving our nation without pay,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO and retired USAF Colonel. He pointed out what many of us witnessed firsthand: credit unions stepped up in a big way during the crisis, offering emergency assistance, affordable loans, and financial guidance to federal workers who needed it most.
Let’s be real—going more than two months without a paycheck isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a genuine crisis for working families. And yet these public servants kept reporting for duty anyway.
“This shutdown demonstrated that political impasses carry real consequences for working families and those on the front lines of public service,” says Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “We are especially mindful of the sacrifices made by Coast Guard members and federal employees who continued reporting for duty despite financial uncertainty. Policymakers must work toward lasting solutions that prevent future disruptions and protect the financial wellbeing of those who serve.”
The Defense Credit Union Council isn’t just celebrating this resolution—they’re staying focused on preventing this kind of situation from happening again. Their mission remains advocating for military and federal families while highlighting the critical role credit unions play when government paychecks stop but bills don’t.
Because here’s the thing: the people protecting our borders, screening our airports, and responding to disasters shouldn’t have to worry about whether they can pay rent this month. That’s not a partisan statement—it’s just common sense.
America’s Credit Unions’ President/CEO Scott Simpson added, “We applaud the House for passage of the Department of Homeland Security funding bill to end the partial government shutdown. While thousands of DHS employees and their families faced financial uncertainty for weeks, credit unions provided consistent relief to them every step of the way. From payroll advances, interest-free paycheck replacement loans, skip-a-payment options, and emergency lines of credit, credit unions showed up for those in need, as they always do. America’s Credit Unions remains focused on amplifying just how essential credit unions are to the financial well-being of Americans all across the country. We urge the President to quickly sign the funding legislation into law. As Congress moves forward with reconciliation, we encourage them to keep the credit union difference secured and leave tax provisions out of this process.”