During the government shutdown Congressional members,
Posted by observer on October 1, 2025, 10:54 am
protected by the Constitution, will continue to be paid, but military members won’t.
While Congressional wives continue their tea parties and shopping for new dresses for the next big social event, military wives, often with husbands deployed elsewhere, will often be at home (sometimes in a foreign country) trying to hold it altogether to see that kids are fed, clothed, loved and educated while dad is gone. Those “gone dads, sometimes moms, are about protecting the country, the Congressmen, who aren’t all protecting American citizens, and others who happen to be here.
So much of our country’s democracy depends on virtue to properly serve the people. As that virtue continues to wane, the people suffer. If our government truly represents the people, the people need to shape up. I’m hopeful that it’s happening, but not foolish enough to think we’ll ever have smooth sailing as evil is a fact of life.
Just my rant because it is so unfair that military members won’t get paid in a shutdown.
1. No pay no work. This should be simple. Anyone who works for no pay is being taken advantage of and they should imply say NO. It doesn’t matter what the job is.
2. Is in never smart to rely on one income. Just staying home and raising kids is not doing your part. Get a job.
Re: A couple of points….
Posted by observer on October 1, 2025, 5:40 pm, in reply to "A couple of points…."
For your #1 to work in a marriage with children, it requires your #2 which would only apply if the spouse has to work and can’t give the kids the home care they need, and if the assignment is overseas when jobs are unavailable for spouses.
We entered military life, all proud that my husband was serving his country and that I, through him, had entered a supportive role to that service. It wasn't long at all when we found out just how much that service wasn't respected and/or valued.
I thank you for your post in support of the military but sadly the disgusting treatment of military families is nothing new. And it isn't likely to change any time soon if at all.
To add - I don't have the time right now to do a proper search so if you
don't mind AI search results, there are a number of job categories that must work as they are essential, but won't get paid until the government is back up and running. (As you pointed out, the bills don't stop rolling in.):
Essential jobs that work without pay during a shutdown
National security and law enforcement
Military personnel: All active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard continue working without pay during a shutdown. Federal law enforcement: Agents from agencies such as the FBI, CIA, DEA, and Secret Service remain on the job. Border security: Border Patrol agents, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents continue their duties. Federal prisons: Correctional officers must continue to report to work.
Air travel
Air traffic controllers: They remain on the job to manage air traffic. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents: TSA officers continue to staff airport security checkpoints.
Public health and safety
Medical staff: Employees at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and other federal healthcare personnel, particularly those providing inpatient and emergency care, are required to work. Disaster response: Staff from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continue to respond to emergencies.
Infrastructure and critical operations
Social Security and Medicare: While recipients still receive their benefits, some staff work to ensure basic functions continue, though services may be limited. IRS employees: In recent shutdowns, contingency plans have required some IRS employees to work, at least temporarily. Power grid maintenance: Workers responsible for maintaining the power grid are considered essential and must continue their work.
Who is not affected by the shutdown
U.S. Postal Service employees: Since the USPS is an independent agency funded by its own revenue, its employees continue to be paid during a government shutdown. Members of Congress: They continue to receive their paychecks during a shutdown due to their constitutionally protected compensation.
The uncertain fate of federal contractors Unlike federal employees, contract staff who work for federal agencies are not guaranteed back pay after a shutdown ends. Many contractors, including janitorial staff and support personnel, are often sent home without pay and may never be compensated for lost wages.
