Statement by Senator Bill Larkin on the Federal Shutdown and Its Impact on Veterans

Today, Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) called on the president and Congress to put the needs of veterans and their families first and set aside their partisan differences to ensure veterans are not harmed any further during the federal government’s shutdown.  

“With the failure to pay death benefits to the families of soldiers killed in the line of duty; the closure of our cherished monuments, particularly veterans’ monuments, and now the threat to withhold veteran benefit payments and active-duty military salaries; it is apparent that this administration has no respect for those men and women who have served our country with honor and distinction.  As a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served 23 years in the United States Army, I know first-hand how important it is to have the support of your family, friends and, most importantly, your country when you are serving overseas, particularly in a combat zone.  That this administration would disrespect the men and women who have given so much to their country is unforgivable and I urge all parties to reach an agreement to ensure our veterans and active-duty military are not used as pawns in a political game.”