Government Shutdown: When Will the Military Troops Get Paid? | WSJ

Key Concepts

• Government Shutdown
• Active Duty Military
• Essential Employees
• National Guard
• Standalone Bill
• Military Pay

Impact of Government Shutdown on Military Personnel

The current government shutdown has reached its ninth day, with a critical deadline approaching in less than a week, after which active duty military members risk missing their first paycheck if Congress fails to act. This affects over 1.3 million active duty personnel across all branches, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. These service members are classified as "essential employees," meaning they are legally required to continue working without pay during the shutdown.

The affected troops are engaged in various critical missions globally. Examples include those deployed to the Caribbean supporting Trump's counter narcotics efforts, personnel stationed in the Middle East to protect vital US interests, and forces moving around the Pacific region to deter China. In addition to active duty members, hundreds of National Guard troops, federally deployed to locations such as Washington D.C., California, and Illinois, are also impacted by the funding lapse.

Advocacy and Congressional Response for Military Pay

In response to this impending financial hardship, the National Guard Association, alongside other advocacy groups, is actively pressing Congress to pass a standalone bill. The objective of this bill is to guarantee that all service members receive their pay during the government shutdown, circumventing the broader funding impasse.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has indicated his openness to bringing such a bill to the floor for a vote. He affirmed this stance by stating, "We've done it in the past. We want to make sure that our troops are paid," highlighting a precedent for this type of legislative action.

Historical Precedent for Military Pay During Shutdowns

The current situation has a direct historical parallel. Prior to a government shutdown in 2013, Congress successfully passed a similar standalone bill. This legislative measure was specifically designed to ensure that military personnel would continue to receive their pay, even as other federal funding was set to expire, thereby establishing a precedent for protecting service members' financial stability during government funding impasses.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The ongoing government shutdown presents an immediate and significant financial threat to over 1.3 million active duty military and National Guard members, who are mandated to continue their essential duties without pay. Advocacy groups and House Speaker Mike Johnson are actively pushing for a standalone bill to ensure these service members are paid, drawing on the successful precedent set during the 2013 government shutdown. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that military personnel could miss their first paycheck in less than a week, emphasizing the critical need for swift congressional action to support those serving the nation.