Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson today signed a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel asking that he use his authority to designate National Guard employees exempt status during the government shutdown to ensure they are paid.  Congress recently passed H.R. 3210, which ensured that members of the armed forces continue to receive their paychecks.  National Guard troops have not been included as exempt employees, but could be designated as so under the authority of H.R. 3210.  The letter states in part,

“Our National Guard is a critical component of ensuring that our Nation stands prepared to rapidly confront disaster at home and abroad.  That is why we ask that you deem those activated under Title 32 – Active Guard & Reserve, dual status military technicians, and Active Duty Operational Support – as excepted employees.“

The House of Representatives yesterday passed H.R. 3230, the Pay Our Guard and Reserve Act which made appropriations in effect for the pay and allowance of members of reserve components of the Armed Forces. This bill passed 265-160 with Congressman Simpson’s support.  It now moves to the Senate for consideration.