WISCONSIN — As some federal workers continue on without a paycheck during the month-long federal government shutdown continues, Wisconsin congressman Bryan Steil (R-Janesville) is behind a bill to help members of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Steil is co-sponsoring the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019. This legislation ensures active duty and reserve members of the Coast Guard receive pay on time and in full during the government shutdown.

"The shutdown must end, but while we are in this mess, we must pay our service members. I have the upmost respect and appreciation for members of our Armed Forces and their families," Steil said in a statement to Patch. "The fact that thousands in the Coast Guard are not receiving pay because of political fighting and inaction is unacceptable. There are more than 41,000 active duty Coast Guard members, 6,200 reservists, and 8,500 civilian personnel who are being impacted from this shutdown, including many in Wisconsin."

