| As the Republican-led shutdown drags on, Congressman Derek Tran, a U.S. Army veteran, is leading the charge to protect military service members and their families. Tran is calling on Speaker Mike Johnson to pass a permanent solution to guarantee service members receive their paychecks — a step Johnson has refused to take.
In an op-ed, Tran reflects on how growing up as the son of refugees who relied on food stamps, Medi-Cal, and Section 8 housing, military service gave his family a shot at the American dream. Now in Congress, he says, it’s his turn to fight for the men and women who serve.
“When it comes to our troops, it is deeply personal for me… It is my duty to be a voice for their cause. Our troops put their lives on the line for our freedom. They have our backs; Congress needs to have theirs.” – Rep. Tran
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Orange County Register: Derek Tran: Washington politics shouldn’t determine if our troops get paid
- I joined the Army when I was 18 years old. I marched into a recruiter’s office and enlisted because I wanted to give back to the country that had given so much to my refugee family.
- The Army changed my life. Serving gave me the foundation to go to college, raise a family, and eventually be elected to represent Southern California in Congress.
- When I got to Congress, I made it my mission to support our troops and our Veterans however I could. The first bill I introduced was the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to reinstate Veterans who were wrongfully fired from their federal jobs. Protecting the livelihoods of our troops and our Veterans isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for national security.
- That’s why I’ve been fighting so hard to make sure that our troops are paid despite the government shutdown. Alongside Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), I sent a letter to Speaker Johnson calling on him to bring House Republicans back to work in Washington to pass legislation guaranteeing pay for U.S. troops…
- Our troops shouldn’t be kept waiting until the last second to find out if they’re going to be paid…we need permanent action to give our troops the stability and peace of mind they deserve.
- Over a quarter of military families don’t have enough to eat. Over 225,000 active duty and reserve personnel in California are at risk of missing paychecks.
- Like most Americans, I’m eager for this shutdown to end. It’s not just our national security that’s at risk – airport travel has been disrupted, infrastructure funding has been stalled, and instead of working for the people, too many politicians are spending their time playing politics.
- I came to Congress to find consensus and reach across the aisle to do what’s best for our community.
- Republicans and Democrats must come back to the negotiating table to reach an agreement that reopens the government, prevents health care costs from skyrocketing, and lowers costs on everyday goods for American families.
- Our troops should not be left waiting for their paycheck while Washington politicians play politics. It’s time to find lasting solutions that put the American people first.
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