Coast Guard chief: ‘Unacceptable’ that service members must rely on food pantries, donations amid shutdown

The commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday called it “unacceptable” that members of the military branch have had to turn to food pantries and donations during the ongoing government shutdown.

Adm. Karl Schultz said in a video message posted to Twitter that members of the Coast Guard “should not be expected to shoulder” the burden of the shutdown, which has resulted in members missing paychecks.

Schultz also said he is “heartened” by an “outpouring of support from local communities across the nation.”

{mosads}”But ultimately, I find it unacceptable that Coast Guard men and women have to rely on food pantries and donations to get through day-to-day life as service members,” he added.

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 22, 2019

Last week, service members in the Coast Guard did not receive their regular paycheck because of the partial shutdown, which has been ongoing since Dec. 22.

The shutdown was sparked because of President Trump’s demand that Congress approve funding for a wall along the southern border, something Democrats have vowed not to support.

The Senate plans to vote Thursday on two proposals to reopen the government, including one that includes funding for the wall.