WASHINGTON – Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement regarding his ongoing effort to reopen the federal government:
“President Obama and Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid wanted a government shutdown for political purposes and refused even to talk. That’s not fair to hardworking Americans – especially our service members and veterans – and that’s why the House has passed two bills that ensure National Guard and Reserve service members as well as America’s veterans receive the pay and benefits they’ve earned. The Senate should pass these bills immediately.”
On Wednesday, the House passed the Pay Our Guard and Reserve Act (H.R. 3230), which provides funding for the pay and allowances of military personnel in the reserve component who are in inactive status. The House also passed the Honoring Our Promise to America’s Veterans Act (H.J.Res.72), which provides immediate funding for veterans disability payments, the GI Bill, education training, and VA home loans under the same conditions that were in effect at the end of the just completed fiscal year.
