Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, emphasized the organization’s serious concerns about the ongoing government shutdown's devastating impact on Federal law enforcement officers who continue to serve without pay. He noted that this was the FOP’s third national statement on the issue and the problems the shutdown has created are only getting worse.
"Across this country, law enforcement officers report for duty every day, no matter the circumstances, no matter the politics," writes Yoes. "Among them are thousands of Federal law enforcement officers who, despite the ongoing government shutdown, remain committed to serving and protecting the American people. They put on their badges, show up for work, and uphold their oath, even when their paychecks have stopped."
The U.S. House of Representatives considered and passed H.R. 5371, “Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act,” a clean continuing resolution (CR) that was intended to keep the Federal government operating through 21 November. This approach was intentional—appropriate funding to keep the government open and give Congress the time it needed to resolve other outstanding issues and funding bills. The House vote was 40 days ago, and the Senate has failed to clear the legislation despite 13 attempts. The Senate has put the cart before the horse and a handful of Members have chosen to hold the paychecks of Federal employees hostage while pushing to add unrelated spending provisions.
"Federal law enforcement officers are not bargaining chips. They are public servants, dedicated professionals, who honor their oath every day," Yoes said. These Federal officers are now working without compensation. The FOP is working relentlessly alongside the White House, our allies in Congress, and other law enforcement organizations to make sure they understand real-world consequences—strained family budgets, delayed bills, and mounting anxiety for officers who protect borders, investigate crimes, and keep America safe.
“There are, without question, many issues in Washington that deserve thoughtful debate. But when those debates grind the government to a halt, the impact is not political, it’s personal,” Yoes explained. “It hits the men and women who keep our nation safe, who patrol our borders, and who investigate crimes that cross state and national lines. These officers don’t have the luxury of walking away or waiting it out. Behind every Federal badge is a person, a spouse, a parent, a provider. These are the people caught in the middle of a political stalemate they had no part in creating.”
“The work of keeping America safe does not stop, and the paychecks of those who protect it shouldn’t either,” Yoes said. “The FOP will not waver. We will continue to stand up for the men and women who stand watch for this nation.”