WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would protect the pay of dual-status military technicians in the Kansas National Guard and across the country by treating them the same as Active Duty personnel in the case of a lapse in appropriations.

“The financial well-being and readiness of those serving our country must not suffer due to gridlock on Capitol Hill,” Sen. Moran said. “This amendment provides the Department of Defense the authority and latitude to maintain pay and benefits for all military technicians.”

Military technicians provide vital administrative and logistical support to National Guard and Reserve units. Unlike other federal employees, dual-status technicians are required to maintain military status in the National Guard or Reserves. During the government shutdown, many dual-status technicians were furloughed because they weren’t designated as “exempted” or “essential,” which impacted the readiness of our military, and subjected these uniformed service members and their families to financial hardship. In the event of a government shutdown, this amendment would ensure dual-status military technicians continue to receive their military pay and allowances on time.

During the government shutdown in October, Sen. Moran along with a bipartisan group of 49 U.S. Senators sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel urging that the National Guard and Reserves, and the civilians who support our troops, receive pay during the government shutdown. 

In January, Sen. Moran introduced similar bipartisan legislation to ensure our men and women in uniform and civilians supporting them do not go without pay in the event Congress is unable or unwilling to get its fiscal house in order.

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