Speaker Johnson Rejects Standalone Military Pay Funding Vote/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ House Speaker Mike Johnson declined to bring a standalone bill to ensure military pay during the government shutdown. He argued Republicans already passed a continuing resolution that would have avoided the crisis. The military’s next payday, October 15, looms as the standoff between Democrats and Republicans deepens.
Military Pay and Shutdown Standoff Quick Looks
- Speaker Johnson opposes new vote on military pay funding
- Says House GOP already passed a CR to avoid shutdown
- Blames Senate Democrats for blocking the funding bill
- Military personnel could miss October 15 paycheck
- CR would extend funding through November 21
- Democrats demand healthcare subsidies in funding deal
- GOP accuses Democrats of politicizing essential services
- Military workers classified as “essential” still must work unpaid
- Missed pay would be reimbursed once government reopens
Deep Look: Speaker Mike Johnson Rejects Military Pay Bill as Shutdown Intensifies
As the federal government shutdown enters its second week, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has pushed back against calls for a standalone bill that would guarantee military pay, insisting that the House has already acted responsibly by passing a broader funding measure.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, Johnson said he would not reconvene the House of Representatives to vote solely on ensuring paychecks for U.S. military personnel during the ongoing shutdown. The shutdown, now on day eight, threatens the timely pay of service members and other essential federal workers.
“I want everybody to listen to me very carefully,” Johnson told reporters. “The House already passed a continuing resolution that would keep the government open and pay our troops. The Senate needs to do its job.”
He took direct aim at House Democrats, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who have been pushing for a vote on a dedicated military pay measure.
“They want to get on the record to say they’re for paying the troops, but we already had that vote,” Johnson emphasized. “It’s called the continuing resolution.”
The continuing resolution (CR) referenced by Johnson passed the Republican-controlled House last month. It would extend government funding at current levels through November 21 and include an additional $88 million in security funds for lawmakers, the White House, and the judicial branch.
However, the bill has hit repeated roadblocks in the Democrat-controlled Senate, where it has failed five times. Senate Democrats insist any short-term funding plan should include an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.
The political deadlock leaves tens of thousands of active-duty military service members in limbo. Though they are considered “essential” workers required to remain on duty, their October 15 paycheck is at risk if the shutdown is not resolved in time. Missed wages would be issued as backpay once the government resumes operations.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), in a private call with GOP members over the weekend, flagged October 15 as a crucial deadline in the standoff—marking the first day troops would go unpaid if Congress doesn’t act.
Democrats have accused Republicans of prioritizing politics over people, particularly with respect to vital services like healthcare and military readiness. In contrast, GOP leaders argue Democrats are holding government funding “hostage” over ideological demands, chiefly their push to include COVID-era healthcare subsidies in any spending bill.
“Of course we want to pay our troops, our air traffic controllers, our Border Patrol agents, TSA workers, and everyone else,” Johnson said. “That’s why we passed the CR. Every Republican and at least one Democrat had the common sense to support it.”
The broader implications of the shutdown are already being felt, with federal services stalled and public confidence in Congress dropping further. Yet Johnson’s firm stance suggests Republicans will not be moving forward with any piecemeal solutions unless Democrats agree to the House-passed resolution.
Meanwhile, military families and government workers brace for financial uncertainty. The next few days will prove pivotal, not only for federal employees but also for the wider political battle that could shape budget negotiations for months to come.
As both parties remain entrenched, the likelihood of a quick resolution seems dim. Johnson’s message was clear: the House has acted, and now it’s the Senate’s turn.
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