RI University Offers Dinner To Coasties In Trump Shutdown

BRISTOL, RI — A Rhode Island private university is offering a free dinner to members of the U.S. Coast Guard, and their families, who have been affected by President Trump's federal government shutdown. Roger Williams University in Bristol and their food service provider, Bon Appétit, will host the dinner.

Active duty Coast Guard members in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts and their families are welcome to the dinner, according to the university's website.

The dinner will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Upper Commons dining hall.

“We are pleased to welcome active duty members of the Coast Guard and their families to our campus for a hot meal,” RWU Interim President Andy Workman said. “RWU and our University College educate many students from the military, and we are glad to do our part by providing support at this difficult time for these local families.”

At 25 days, this is the longest government shutdown in history. Trump declined to sign the bill funding the federal government because it didn't include funds for his proposed border wall.

About 420,000 American federal employees, including those of the Coast Guard, aren't being paid. An additional 380,000 have been furloughed, the AP reported.

The other branches of the military are being paid because their funding comes through the Department of Defense, whereas the Coast Guard's funding comes through the Department of Homeland Security.

Photo credit: Official U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Richard Brahm.