President Barack Obama signs H.R. 3210, the Pay Our Military Act, which Congress passed just hours before shutting down the federal government, Sept. 30, 2013. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Obama to Military: Blame Congress
President Obama told troops they deserve better than their 'dysfunctional' civilian bosses in Congress in a video message delivered after the midnight shutdown. By Kevin Baron
President Obama ordered the military to continue on normal duty status in a rare video message to the troops delivered immediately following the federal government shutdown that was as much a political shot at House Republicans as it was any reassurance to U.S. troops.
“Unfortunately, Congress has not fulfilled its responsibility. It has failed to pass a budget,” the president said early Tuesday.
“Those of you in uniform would remain on your normal duty status. Threats to our national security have not changed and we need you to be ready for any contingency. Ongoing military operations like our efforts will continue. If you are serving in harms way, we’re going to make sure you have what you need to succeed in your missions.”
Congress has failed to pass any fiscal 2014 spending bills this year, in part as House Republicans repeatedly tried to block funding for Obama’s healthcare plan. Senate Democrats and Republicans rejected the House GOP, but the faction ultimately and effectively proved its strength by preventing the U.S. government from spending money after fiscal 2013 expired at midnight Monday evening.
[Click here for Defense One's complete coverage of the shutdown.]
Earlier in the evening, Obama signed a bill that Congress passed Monday which ensured military paychecks would continue, he said, “on time.”
“You and your families deserve better than the dysfunction we’re seeing in Congress.”
Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a Facebook posting, said: “I regret that our government has shut down. Unfortunately we don't have that option. Please continue to do what you've always done -- serve the nation. For those of our civilian teammates who will be furloughed, I'm sorry. You are valued members of our profession, and we look forward to your return to duty. Thank you all. I'm honored to serve with you.”
Prior to the shutdown, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said in a statement, “Like all of you I would be deeply disappointed if Congress fails to fulfill its most basic responsibilities.”
A shutdown, he said, “will affect different parts of our department in different ways. While military personnel around the world would continue to serve in a normal duty status, a large number of civilian employees and contractors would likely be temporarily furloughed. Your supervisor will provide more information, but I want you to know that furlough decisions are dictated solely by the law, which only permits us to direct civilians to work if they are required to continue supporting military operations or if they are required to protect DoD personnel and property.”
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