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Can Trump Pay Troops without Congress? Some Democrats Don’t Think So
The Trump administration secured pay for 1.3 million active-duty military members during the shutdown by reallocating funds, while other federal sectors face continued delays.
- The Trump administration said it would access unused R&D funds to ensure U.S. military personnel are paid on October 15, 2025, amid the shutdown.
- By Oct. 13, lawmakers needed to pass legislation to process paychecks, but Congress was not in session because Columbus Day fell during the deadline and House Speaker Mike Johnson kept the House out.
- Bessent said the Treasury is holding back payments to Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, risking unpaid wages for roughly 1.3 million active-duty members, Guard members, and civilians.
- Immediate impacts extend to federal courts and air travel, with the travel economy losing $8 billion in the first week, despite troops receiving pay on October 15.
- Redirecting RDTE funds is described as an emergency patch with long-term costs, as the Department of Defense taps $8 billion in unspent funds risking U.S. allies and adversaries' trust.
63 Articles
63 Articles
InsideNoVA.com
Johnson tells Democrats to 'bring it' over pay for U.S. troops
(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump's weekend move to pay U.S. troops during a partial government shutdown raised legal questions, but it also relieved pressure on Republicans as a congressional funding lapse stretched into a 14th day.
If the Shutdown Is a Messaging Battle, the GOP Plans to Win It
Now two weeks into the federal government shutdown, Republicans say they like the contrast between themselves and Democrats—with President Donald Trump halting a devastating conflict in the Middle East, while Democrats continue to vote against reopening the government. “President Trump has continued to do his job for the American people, and thank God, because the world is a safer place with President Trump at the helm,” said House Majority Lead…
Trump redirects some research funds to pay military during shutdown
The government shutdown is in its 14th day, and the Senate is set to reconvene on Tuesday to vote for an eighth time on measures that would reopen the government. Meanwhile, President Trump indicated in a social media post that he redirected some research funds to pay the military during the shutdown. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more from Capitol Hill.
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