Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and a group of lawmakers representing districts with a large U.S. Coast Guard presence have sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to ensure that Coast Guard members continue to receive pay during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. The lawmakers are requesting similar action to what was taken during the October–November 2025 government shutdown, when military service member pay was protected.
In their letter, the lawmakers stated: “We face another troubling situation. As a result of the current partial government shutdown, members of the United States Coast Guard—who serve under the Department of Homeland Security—are once again working without pay. These dedicated men and women continue to carry out critical homeland security missions. They safeguard our shores, secure our ports, interdict illegal narcotics, protect our maritime borders, and conduct lifesaving search-and-rescue operations with the courage and professionalism that have long defined this proud branch of our Armed Forces. At the same time, more than 41,000 active duty and activated Reserve Coast Guard members face the very real possibility of missing their next scheduled payday on February 27 if the Department of Homeland Security does not receive appropriations.”
Nicole Malliotakis has been serving in Congress since 2021 as the representative for New York’s 11th district after replacing Max Rose. She previously served in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2021. Born in New York City in 1980, Malliotakis is currently 42 years old and resides in Staten Island. She holds degrees from Seton Hall University and Wagner College.
