The U.S. Coast Guard is facing a growing operational crisis as the partial government shutdown, now in its 75th day, has left the service unable to pay critical bills. Over 6,000 utility bills remain unpaid, leading to service disruptions at duty stations and military housing nationwide. Commandant Admiral Kevin Lunday warned that the situation is "unacceptable," with electricity, water, and natural gas shutoffs affecting operational units and housing. "The American people would be furious to know this is happening," he told CBS News.
Immediate Impact
The Coast Guard owes more than $300 million in unpaid obligations, with $5.2 million in overdue utility bills. Recent outages include water shutoffs in Port Huron, Michigan, and Station Channel Islands, California, as well as a power outage at a recruiting station in St. Louis, Missouri. Nearly 1,000 housing units are at risk of electricity shutoffs, with 43% of housing units having invoices over 30 days past due. Active-duty personnel have continued receiving paychecks due to temporary funding adjustments, but that support is expected to end soon, with the first missed paychecks possible by May 15.
Financial and Operational Strain
The financial strain is affecting service members preparing for relocations, who are accruing credit card debt due to lapsed advance travel pay. Others are postponing medical appointments because they cannot afford out-of-pocket costs. Chief Petty Officer Phil Walron told lawmakers that the uncertainty has fractured focus among personnel, who are worried about paying rent or supporting their families. Nearly 10,000 civilian employees went without full pay from mid-February until early April, when President Donald Trump signed an emergency order restoring their compensation.
Political Response
Lawmakers are calling for an immediate vote on Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding to resolve the crisis. The Coast Guard, under the DHS, has been operating without full funding since the shutdown began, leaving it unable to meet financial obligations. The situation has raised concerns about the service's ability to carry out its missions, including overseas operations and domestic security duties.