SPRINGFIELD, IL – U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy today condemned Washington Democrats for blocking funding to pay America’s servicemembers during the ongoing government shutdown, calling their actions a betrayal of the people they were elected to serve.

“Democrats in Washington have made their priorities painfully clear: they’re willing to block paychecks for our troops to maximize the pain of this completely unnecessary government shutdown. That’s not leadership. It’s a betrayal of the people they’re supposed to serve,” said Tracy.

“The political games need to stop. If there's anything we should be able to agree on in this hyper-partisan climate, it should be paying those who defend our country and taking care of their families back home. This bill passed out of committee in July with overwhelming bipartisan support, 26-3.

“Yet, my opponents—Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly—have cheered on the Senate Democrats' obstructionism. If they won’t stand up for our troops, then it’s time to send a strong leader to the Senate who will.”

The stalled bill, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in committee earlier this year, would ensure U.S. servicemembers receive their paychecks even during a government shutdown. Senate Democrats’ refusal to advance the legislation has left thousands of military families facing unnecessary financial uncertainty.

Don is available for video and phone interviews on this topic, with some availability for in-studio discussions. 

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About Don Tracy: 

Don Tracy is a community leader from Central Illinois who has spent his career fighting for small businesses and working families. An attorney for nearly 50 years, Don is Senior Counsel at Brown, Hay & Stephens, the oldest law firm in Illinois. He has served in a number of public service positions, including Chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, Secretary of the Illinois Bar Foundation, and President of the Abraham Lincoln Association. Born and raised in Mount Sterling in Western Illinois, Don and his wife, Wanda, raised their 4 children and 8 grandchildren in Springfield.