Derek Tran, a representative for California’s 45th congressional district, is calling on Congress to act swiftly to guarantee pay for U.S. troops during the ongoing government shutdown. Tran, who enlisted in the Army at the age of 18, emphasized that military personnel should not be subjected to uncertainty regarding their paychecks due to political disputes in Washington.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Johnson, Tran, alongside Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), urged House Republicans to return to work and pass legislation that would ensure military members receive their pay by the looming deadline of October 15. He has also co-sponsored bipartisan legislation aimed at safeguarding pay for service members in the event of a shutdown.
Tran’s commitment to supporting military personnel stems from his own experiences. Growing up in a family that relied on food stamps, Medi-Cal, and Section 8 housing, he understands the significance of a steady paycheck. “Every dollar in my Army paycheck made a difference,” he stated, highlighting the critical role that financial stability plays in the lives of service members and their families.
The former soldier pointed out that over a quarter of military families struggle with food insecurity. In California alone, more than 225,000 active duty and reserve personnel face the risk of missing paychecks. “The greatest nation with the greatest military in the world should not be putting our troops and their families in this predicament,” he remarked.
Tran criticized the current political climate, where decisions regarding military pay are influenced by partisan disagreements. He expressed gratitude for President Trump‘s temporary solution to address the issue, yet insisted that long-term measures are essential for providing troops with the stability they need. “Congress must take action to ensure that troops can always count on their paycheck, no matter who controls the White House or Congress,” he stated.
As the shutdown continues, Tran emphasized the broader implications for national security and public services. “It’s not just our national security that’s at risk – airport travel has been disrupted, infrastructure funding has been stalled,” he said. He urged both parties to prioritize the American people over political maneuvering, calling for a return to negotiations aimed at reopening the government.
Tran’s advocacy for military personnel resonates deeply with his commitment to public service. He believes it is his duty to be a voice for troops who lack the advocacy of unions or special interest groups. “Our troops put their lives on the line for our freedom. They have our backs; Congress needs to have theirs,” he asserted.
In a time when many are eager for the shutdown to end, Tran remains hopeful that bipartisan cooperation can lead to effective solutions. “Even in these politically divided times, I still believe that finding common ground is possible,” he concluded, urging Congress to focus on reaching agreements that benefit both military families and the broader American public.
