Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) Thursday announced legislation to ensure members of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard retirees are paid during the current partial government shutdown.

H.R. 374, known as the “Always Ready Act,” was formally introduced by Byrne on Wednesday and provides funding for active members of the Coast Guard and Coast Guard retirees. Byrne represents coastal Alabama and the Port of Mobile in Congress.

In a statement, Byrne said, “I’m proud of the strong Coast Guard presence we have in Southwest Alabama. These men and women work hard and put their lives in danger in order to keep the American people safe.”

“As we continue to fight for stronger border security and work to resolve the government shutdown, I believe members of the Coast Guard should be paid just as other members of the Armed Forces are paid,” Byrne added. “I hope the House and Senate will act swiftly on my bill, the Always Ready Act, to ensure members of the Coast Guard and their families receive the pay they deserve.”

Byrne introduced the bill the same day he sent a letter to President Donald Trump praising his Tuesday night Oval Office speech to the nation on immigration and border security.

H.R. 374 has been referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn