US military service members are starting to feel the pinch of financial strain due to ongoing government shutdowns. However, Senate Democrats don’t seem ready to take action to reopen the government anytime soon.
If the shutdown persists, military families are set to miss their next paycheck on October 15th. It’s been noted that Senate Democrats criticized Republicans during a recent inquiry about the shutdown’s impact on military households but showed little willingness to reopen the government without settling on partisan issues first.
“President Trump is leading, and we need to support him to get this resolved,” stated Senator Ben Ray Lujan from New Mexico. “The Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House.”
Interestingly, New Mexico’s Democrats haven’t directly addressed how the shutdown affects military families.
Since the shutdown started early Wednesday, active service members are expected to report for duty without immediate pay. Most Senate Democrats, including Lujan, have refused to reopen the government until Republicans commit to spending more than $1.5 trillion on healthcare, which would limit President Trump’s capacity to cut funds favorable in Congress.
A food pantry located near Fort Hood, Texas, has reported a staggering 34% increase in demand compared to the week before, as reported by Military Times. The financial burden on military families could be significant, especially as Senate Democrats continue to dismiss bipartisan spending bills aimed at funding the government.
“This shutdown is dreadful,” remarked Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia. “I want to avoid a shutdown, but I am also worried about healthcare premiums skyrocketing.”
Despite that, Warnock voted against reopening the government recently.
Democrats have also pointed fingers at Republicans, claiming they are to blame for the economic stress military families are facing during the shutdown. “People feel the pinch in their wallets immediately,” said Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon. “We just want to find some common ground to make progress.”
Senator Chris Murphy chimed in, indicating that negotiations should commence, criticizing Trump’s role in the shutdown. “It’s unfortunate that serious discussions aren’t happening, and that’s detrimental to military families,” he noted.
On the Republican side, leaders have stated there’s no need to negotiate over policy demands until Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer agrees to reopen the government.
In a brief conversation with media, Senator Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts also criticized Republicans for the financial insecurity impacting military families.
A handful of moderate Democrats, such as Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, have questioned Schumer’s strategy, which forces millions to work without pay.
“This is ridiculous and incredibly damaging,” stated Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri. “Why is Congress still getting paid while our troops aren’t receiving their compensation?”
Hawley added, “I won’t be a hostage to my Democrat colleagues any longer.”
The War Department issued a statement condemning Democrats for the government shutdown, suggesting it is causing hardships for military families. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell remarked, “It’s astonishing how Democrats are choosing to inflict pain on the American people and our service members by opting for a shutdown. They seem to prioritize funding cuts for PBS and free medical care for undocumented immigrants over supporting our soldiers and veterans.”
“Democratic congressional actions are detrimental to the country, and they should reconsider who truly matters in this situation,” Parnell continued.
Senate Republicans are optimistic that some rank-and-file Democrats will eventually choose to collaborate with them to reopen the government.
“We could completely avoid the sacrifices being imposed on military families,” suggested Senator Steve Daines from Montana. “If just five Democrats joined us today, we could put an end to this nonsense. This is political theater that I’ve never witnessed to this extent before.”
