U.S. Military Pay at Risk Amid Prolonged Government Shutdown

The Treasury's Scott Bessent has issued a stern warning that the ongoing government shutdown could prevent military personnel from receiving their pay by November 15th.

Despite previous assurances from the Trump administration that military payments would continue, Bessent highlighted that the continuation of the shutdown jeopardizes these assurances.

He noted that even though Pentagon directives have temporarily tapped into leftover research and development funds to meet payroll needs, this measure is not sustainable beyond the initial mid-month disbursements.

Expressing frustration, Bessent criticized Democratic congressional leaders, attributing the impasse to their preoccupation with political primaries over national concerns.

Negotiations have stalled over disagreements on health insurance tax credits, with Republicans insisting such talks occur post-reopening, though Democrats have consistently called for immediate dialogue.

Reflecting on a recent Democratic boycott of negotiation proposals, Bessent questioned its effectiveness, dubbing it a move lacking clear purpose.

He further cautioned that the protracted shutdown is beginning to exert negative impacts on the economy, appealing for moderate Democrats to diverge from party lines to back the House’s reopening efforts.

Countering this stance, Hakeem Jeffries, a leading House Democrat, emphasized the pressing necessity to resume government functions and urged Republicans to collaboratively forge a bipartisan fiscal plan.

Jeffries advocated for decisive legislative action from Republicans on healthcare, dismissing superficial assurances as inadequate.