US Military Pay Under Threat: Prolonged Shutdown May Halt Payments by November 15

US Military Pay Threatened by Government Shutdown

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on CBS News that the United States may not be able to fulfill payroll obligations for military personnel if the ongoing government shutdown persists beyond mid-November.

By Nov. 15, Bessent emphasized, service members risking their lives won't receive their salary unless immediate actions are taken. He indicated that although military employees were able to receive compensation sourced from excess Pentagon funds earlier this month, the situation is changing.

Political Dynamics Affecting Military Pay

President Trump took the opportunity to commend a donor who pledged $130 million to assist military members facing a paycheck void due to the shutdown's duration. Despite these efforts, Senate Democrats recently blocked a GOP proposal intended to ensure pay for active-duty military and essential federal employees affected by the ongoing crisis.

• Democrats rejected the funding bill with a vote of 54-45.
• Supporters claim the shutdown presents a direct threat to military financial security.
• Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the failure of funding proposals that could alleviate payment delays.

This situation exposes the precarious condition of military compensation amidst political stalemates and ongoing budget discussions.