A military pay crisis is unfolding as House Republican veterans urge Senate Democrats to support a federal funding bill. Their goal is to end the government shutdown and ensure troops receive their pay on time.
The House passed a continuing resolution (CR) on September 19. It maintains federal spending at fiscal year 2025 levels through November 21. The CR contains no policy riders, cuts, or gimmicks. It gives Congress more time to negotiate twelve long-term appropriations bills.
U.S. troops risk missing their first paycheck of the shutdown on October 15 if lawmakers fail to act. In response, House veterans, led by Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., sent a letter to seven Senate Democrat veterans. These Senators had repeatedly voted against the CR. The House veterans appealed to shared military service and stressed the urgent need for action.
“This short-term measure ensures our troops, the same men and women with whom we once served, continue to receive pay without interruption,” the letter said. At the same time, it acknowledged disagreements on healthcare and other policy issues. Therefore, the House veterans urged Senators to resolve those matters after ensuring troop pay.
Meanwhile, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., rejected calls for a standalone vote. He insisted the Senate must pass the GOP-led bill. Currently, just five more Democratic votes could overcome the filibuster and advance the CR. However, a federal holiday on October 13 may delay the earliest Senate vote to October 14.
Additionally, federal workers, including active-duty troops, must continue working without pay during the shutdown. As a result, the standoff has cost the government about $400 million per day.
Political analysts said the military pay crisis highlights the human impact of congressional gridlock. It has raised bipartisan concern, as service members and federal employees face financial uncertainty. Experts noted that resolving the crisis could improve public trust in government.
If Congress passes the CR, troops will receive retroactive pay for the shutdown period. Conversely, failure to act could worsen financial strain for military families. At the same time, it could deepen partisan conflict in Washington. Moreover, delayed action may intensify public criticism of lawmakers on both sides.
Lawmakers remain at a critical juncture. Observers expect intense negotiations on military pay, federal funding, and healthcare policy in the coming days.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
