The US Coast Guard (USCG) has warned it will not be able to pay staff due to the continuing partial shutdown of the government as a result of a row over president Donald Trump's Mexican wall.
Vice commandant Admiral Charles Ray said in a letter to workers on Thursday: "As you are aware, much of the government, including the Department of Homeland Security, remains unfunded, and it is not clear when this lapse in appropriations will end.
"In the coming days, our service will begin to pass critical military and civilian pay-processing milestones necessary to meet regular pay cycles. Unfortunately, without an appropriation, a continuing resolution, or another legislative measure, the Coast Guard will not be able to meet the next payroll.
"Many of you may be aware of proposed Congressional legislation that separately provides pay for the Coast Guard. I cannot predict what course that legislation may take."
The CG Mutual Assistance Board has approved an increase to interest free loans with a focus on the junior workforce, the USCG said.
Staff can get up to $1,000 to tide them over.
Its website is not being actively managed "based on a lapse in federal funding."
The last update was on 21 December.
But it vowed to keep carrying out vital work related to security and life-saving.
"In the absence of an enacted appropriation or continuing resolution, the Coast Guard is required to execute an orderly suspension of some operations and activities," it said.
"In general, the Coast Guard will continue operations authorised by law that provide for national security, or that protect life and property."
