Congress Overwhelmed By Military Pay
Washington, D.C. — Time is running out for America’s service members. The $8 billion President Donald Trump found to keep the troops paid is almost gone — and Democrats just blocked another Republican plan to extend it.
💰 Trump Found the Money — Democrats Blocked the Fix
President Trump’s decisive action earlier this month ensured our soldiers received their mid-October pay. He ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to pull emergency funds from Pentagon research accounts to protect the men and women in uniform.
That bold move covered roughly $6.5 billion in salaries — leaving just $1.5 billion for the next payroll, due October 31. Unless Congress acts, thousands of troops and federal workers could miss their paychecks as the shutdown drags into its fourth week.
“I’m grateful President Trump stepped up,” said Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), a Navy veteran. “But the money will run out by the end of October — and our military must be paid on time.”
⚠️ Experts Warn: Pentagon Funds Are Running on Fumes
Defense analysts say the Pentagon can shuffle leftover accounts for a few more weeks, but the clock is ticking.
“They’re robbing Peter to literally pay Paul,” said Todd Harrison of the American Enterprise Institute. “When funding is restored, they’ll have to refill every account.”
The Pentagon has declined to comment on where the next round of paychecks will come from.
🏛️ Senate Democrats Block GOP Bill to Protect Troops
On Thursday, Democrats in the Senate killed Sen. Ron Johnson’s (R-WI) Shutdown Fairness Act, which would have guaranteed pay for military members and essential federal workers.
The bill won bipartisan support from Sens. Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, and John Fetterman, yet still failed 54–45, short of the 60 votes required.
Instead of protecting the troops, Democrat leaders focused on preserving ObamaCare subsidies and pushing negotiations on their terms.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called Johnson’s bill “a ruse,” claiming it gave Trump “too much power.”
Critics argue that Democrats are playing politics while military families face unpaid bills and rising inflation.
🇺🇸 Republicans Fight to Keep America’s Heroes Paid
Sen. Johnson reminded reporters that President Trump’s power to reallocate funds is limited.
“He’s not a king — there’s only so much authority he has,” Johnson said. “Those pots of money are running out fast.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is now preparing a new package to fund the military, air-traffic controllers, TSA employees, and key nutrition programs like SNAP, before those benefits expire on November 1.
🔥 Bottom Line: Democrats Play Politics — Trump Delivers Leadership
While Washington Democrats posture and delay, President Trump and Republican lawmakers continue to fight for the men and women defending our nation.
The American people deserve leaders who put patriotism over politics — and that starts with paying those who serve.
💬 Key Takeaway for Readers
Every paycheck missed is a blow to a military family. Every delay is another reminder of who’s standing with our troops — and who’s standing in the way.
