Doug Jones Calls For Military To Get Paid During Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Ala.) has called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to hold a vote on a measure to ensure U.S. military service members will continue to be paid during the federal government shutdown. The measure – co-sponsored by Jones – was introduced by Senator Claire McCaskill shortly after midnight on Friday night, but was immediately blocked by McConnell.

Jones released the following statement:

"Around the world and here at home, our military and their families continue to serve during this shutdown. Senator McConnell pledged that we would vote on a measure to guarantee that they will continue to get paid, but two days later he still hasn't kept his promise to hold a vote. I co-sponsored this measure immediately after the shutdown took effect early Saturday morning because our troops don't deserve to become a pawn in this political game. I am calling on the Majority Leader to bring this bill to an immediate vote in the Senate so we can provide certainty to those brave men and women who continue to sacrifice on our behalf."

Photo by Michael Seale