Reaction was swift today from Louisiana congressional candidates, reacting to the latest outrage from President Barak Obama regarding the ongoing “government shutdown.”

It was reported earlier today that the federal government is withholding a $100,000 payment normally wired to relatives of fallen soldiers — including the families of five killed in Afghanistan over the weekend. The payment, known as the death gratuity, is typically sent to families of the fallen within three days to help them cover funeral costs or travel to meet the flag-draped coffins of their loved ones.

Two Fifth Congressional District candidates we contacted had plenty to say.

Neil Riser: “We made an obligation to the men and women of our armed forces, especially to those who make the ultimate sacrifice. We also made a a commitment to their families. The house unanimously passed a bill to appropriate military pay, and the death benefit should have been included in the bill. The Senate has failed to act as yet.”

Clyde Holloway: “I am not surprised the Obama Administration has chosen certain targets to punish in order to make the government shutdown as difficult as possible on those who oppose the president’s agenda. That is typical of Chicago style thug politics. I am, however, angry and outraged that the Administration would be so cynical and callous as to deny the family of an American hero the this well earned reward. It is inexcusable.”