Rick Scott co-sponsors bills to pay military, not pay Congress during shutdown

4,879 active-duty U.S. Coast Guard members in Florida affected

WASHINGTON – Sen Rick Scott on Thursday announced his co-sponsorship of two bills related to the partial government shutdown.

The first was Sen. John Thune’s Pay Our Coast Guard Act to ensure all U.S. military members are being paid during the government shutdown.

“Our men and women risk their lives every day to protect our freedom and our way of life," Scott said. "Congress has failed to pass a budget and keep government funded. The men and women of our Coast Guard shouldn’t be punished for the dysfunction of Washington."

There are currently 4,879 active-duty U.S. Coast Guard members in Florida affected by the shutdown.

The U.S. Coast Guard keeps families in Florida safe by patrolling the beaches, shore waters and maritime territory of the state, conducting search and rescue operations and intercepting boat shipments of illegal drugs and the victims of human trafficking.  

The second bill Scott co-sponsored is Sen. Mike Braun's bill that would prevent Congress from receiving pay during the shutdown.

"I ran on how we can make the process better, and I don’t think you should get paid if you don’t have a budget," Scott said. "I think its very important we are subject to the same rules as everyone else and if you can’t pass a budget, you shouldn’t get paid."

Scott said he hopes the Coast Guard bill passes quickly.

"But the best would be that everyone sat down and come up with a way to get our government open and secure our border," Scott said.