Federal Shutdown Impacts Coast Guard Operations

NEW LONDON, CT - The partial shutdown of the federal government could have profound effects on 500 Coast Guard members in New Haven and New London. The Coast Guard's responsibilities have been curtailed in areas such as cargo ship inspection and enforcement of fishing laws, The New Haven Register reported.

It's uncertain when members will be paid and at the Coast Guard Academy, 160 of 260 non-essential employees have been furloughed. Active-duty members have been stepping up to fill in the gaps, but it's unclear when they'll receive their next paycheck, according to the The Day.

Members of the Coast Guard Station continue to report to work without getting paid.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, took to the House floor to describe the conditions for a Coast Guard member and Niantic resident, who said that if the shutdown continues, he won't be able to afford basic necessities for his family, The Dayreported.

Photo credit: Jeffrey B. Banke/Shutterstock.com