***DAY #9: SCHUMER SHUTDOWN*** Congressman Patronis to Financial Institutions: Use Common Sense, Do Not Penalize Floridians for the Schumer Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis issued the following letter to mortgage company associations, banking associations, and credit union associations requesting that they grant some flexibility to those experiencing hardship during the Schumer Shutdown. Congressman Patronis is urging financial institutions to not penalize servicemembers and federal employees in Florida who will soon receive reduced pay or no pay at all due to the government shutdown caused by Congressional Democrats who refuse to work with Republicans to pass a clean Continuing Resolution (CR).

Read the Congressman’s letter below and HERE.

To Whom It May Concern,

As you may be aware, we are in the middle of a federal government shutdown. Although the U.S House of Representatives has passed a "clean" Continuing Resolution, the Senate has failed to pass the bill to keep the lights on. Unfortunately, while Republicans are largely unified, we need 60 votes in the U.S. Senate. Senator Chuck Schumer and his fellow Senate Democrats are facing challenges from the Left flank to fight President Trump, even if it's at the cost of the American public, which brings me to the topic at hand. 

If a funding agreement is not reached, many federal employees will see reduced checks on October 10th and nothing more until funding is restored. Active duty servicemembers, whose mid-month payday occurs on October 15th, are not expected to receive further compensation until the shutdown ends. 

Therefore, should Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats continue to hold America hostage, government funding will be further delayed. Thus, I am writing to urge your members to not penalize servicemembers and federal employees in Florida who will soon receive no or reduced pay due to the government shutdown beyond their control. 

I am proud to represent Northwest Florida, often referred to as the military coast, which is home to thousands of servicemembers and federal employees many of whom are clients of your members. Given the composition of the district and the reality that an estimated 60% of workers live paycheck to paycheck, I fear potential delays in receiving compensation will affect the ability of many constituents to pay housing costs and will lead to adverse credit reporting. 

Moreover, as a former statewide elected official in Florida, I have knowledge and a sense of the federal government's investments and operations in Florida communities, especially with respect to the military. In today's environment, reduced credit scores raise lending costs for borrowers, limit loan options, increase certain insurance premiums, and often raise deposit requirements. As you and your members know, many adverse items on credit reports last for the better part of a decade long after this shutdown will have faded from public memory. 

Considering these unfortunate circumstances, please use common sense and be flexible during this time. It's bad enough we've got servicemen and women who'll miss a paycheck, let's not further kick them while they are down with further penalties. By providing this flexibility, your members will prevent lasting adverse consequences for servicemembers, federal employees, and their spouses. I promise you it's not only the right thing to do, but your customers will thank you for it in the long run. Just because Democrats in DC are acting like a bunch of knuckleheads doesn't mean you should too. I greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and your members' consideration.

Sincerely,

Jimmy Patronis

Member of Congress

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