By Steve Neavling
Ticklethewire.com
A group representing thousands of FBI agents is calling for an end to the government shutdown, saying national security is at stake.
The FBI Agents Association on Thursday released a petition demanding leaders reopen the government.
“On Friday, January 11, 2019, FBI Agents will not be paid due to the partial government shutdown, but we will continue our work protecting our nation,” the petition states. “We urge our elected representatives to fund the Department of Justice and the FBI because financial security is a matter of national security.”
The FBI is among several federal agencies that must continue to operate without paying its employees as the shutdown reached its 21st day Friday.
The petition said the shutdown will cause a signifiant financial burden on many agents and could make it more difficult for the bureau to recruit future employees.
“The men and women of the FBI proudly serve this nation and are honored to protect our country and Constitution from all threats, foreign and domestic,” the petition reads. “We are confident that our leaders share this commitment to protecting our country and will find a path forward to fund the DOJ and the FBI.”
It continues, “As those on the frontlines in the fight against criminals and terrorists, we urge expediency before financial insecurity compromises national security.”
