SE Nebraska News

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood and three other House members have sent a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, urging the Department of War to give priority to reimbursements for junior service members after the federal government reopens. The letter comes in response to financial challenges faced by enlisted personnel during what is described as the "Democrat Shutdown." The National Military Family Association has expressed support for this effort.

Flood, who represents Nebraska’s First Congressional District—home to Offutt Air Force Base and STRATCOM—said, “Representing Offutt Air Force Base, I know that enlisted and junior service members have been some of the hit hardest by the Democrat Shutdown. From families lining up at food pantries to participating in diaper drives, the shutdown’s impact on our rank-and-file military service members has been harsh. That’s why I’m leading this letter with my colleagues, along with support from the National Military Family Association, urging the Department of War to prioritize processing reimbursements for our junior service members. This will ensure they receive the funds they depend on as quickly as possible.”

Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association, commented on how delayed payments affect military families: “Delayed reimbursements might sound like a paperwork issue, but for many junior enlisted families it’s the difference between making rent and falling behind. Prioritizing these families once the shutdown is resolved will ensure that the service members with the least financial cushion aren’t left waiting the longest to be made whole.”

The lawmakers wrote in their letter: "Congress has made significant strides in recent years to improve quality of life for our junior enlisted personnel — many of whom, though, still live paycheck to paycheck. Pay uncertainty and interruptions can cause immediate financial hardship. Missed rent, childcare costs, and basic living expenses quickly accumulate, leaving the backbone of our military and their families in a precarious position. While all who serve are deserving of timely compensation, senior officers generally possess greater financial stability and access to credit or savings. During what will most certainly be an influx of requests for back pay, allowances, and reimbursement upon the re-opening of the government, it is both imperative and practical to prioritize those most in need."

Flood has served in Congress representing Nebraska's 1st district since 2022 after replacing Jeff Fortenberry. Before his current role in Congress, he was a member of Nebraska's State Legislature from 2007 through 2013. Born in Omaha in 1975 and now residing in Norfolk at age 48, Flood holds degrees from Notre Dame (BA) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (JD).

A full copy of their letter is available online.