Congressman Flood Leads House Letter Urging Priority Reimbursement for Junior Service Members Following Democrat Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. - ​Friday, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood, joined by Congressmen Nicholas Begich (AK), Zach Nunn (IA), Derrick Schmidt (KS), sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging the Department of War to prioritize reimbursements for junior service members once the federal government reopens. This letter received support from the National Military Family Association.

"Representing Offutt Air Force Base, I know that enlisted and junior service members have been some of the hit hardest by the Democrat Shutdown. From families lining up at food pantries to participating in diaper drives, the shutdown's impact on our rank-and-file military service members has been harsh. That's why I'm leading this letter with my colleagues, along with support from the National Military Family Association, urging the Department of War to prioritize processing reimbursements for our junior service members. This will ensure they receive the funds they depend on as quickly as possible," said Congressman Flood.

"Delayed reimbursements might sound like a paperwork issue, but for many junior enlisted families it's the difference between making rent and falling behind," said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association. "Prioritizing these families once the shutdown is resolved will ensure that the service members with the least financial cushion aren't left waiting the longest to be made whole."

"Congress has made significant strides in recent years to improve quality of life for our junior enlisted personnel - many of whom, though, still live paycheck to paycheck. Pay uncertainty and interruptions can cause immediate financial hardship. Missed rent, childcare costs, and basic living expenses quickly accumulate, leaving the backbone of our military and their families in a precarious position," wrote the Members in their letter. "While all who serve are deserving of timely compensation, senior officers generally possess greater financial stability and access to credit or savings. During what will most certainly be an influx of requests for back pay, allowances, and reimbursement upon the re-opening of the government, it is both imperative and practical to prioritize those most in need."

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

Congressman Flood represents Nebraska's First Congressional District, which is home to Offutt Air Force Base and STRATCOM. He is the Chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus.