You may have seen my latest op-ed with Republican Study Committee Chairman, August Pfluger, in The Washington Examiner. Here’s the bottom line: Senate Democrats are putting politics before their country—and America’s military is paying the price. Let’s break it down:

• Our military can’t wait. While China builds its military, Iran supports terrorists, and Russia pushes into Ukraine, Senate Democrats have forced a government shutdown—leaving America’s troops without pay and halting our national security. But every single day this shutdown continues, our adversaries grow stronger. 

• This isn’t about budgets. It’s about priorities. House Republicans already passed a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government open and pay our troops. It funds the government at the same levels Democrats supported under President Biden—13 different times. What’s changed? Nothing but the person in the Oval Office.

• Our enemies are watching. Make no mistake—Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran see what’s happening. They see politicians in Washington willing to weaken our defenses for political gain. That’s not leadership; that’s surrender.

Our troops deserve better. Military families deserve better. America deserves better.

On October 15th, 1.32 million service members will go without pay. This is unacceptable. Republicans are ready to reopen the government today, so the only question left is: will Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats choose politics—or patriots?