Johnson dismisses separate House vote for troop payments during shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Military Pay During Government Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana appears to be sidelined in the efforts to ensure that military service members receive their pay on time amidst the ongoing government shutdown.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Johnson emphasized that he passed a federal funding bill last month that would keep military payments flowing, thereby averting a total shutdown. However, he insisted that it is the Senate’s responsibility to pass that measure. This shutdown marks its eighth day.

“I want everyone to hear me clearly. [House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.] and the House Democrats are eager to come back and vote again,” he noted.

“We’ve already had that vote. It’s known as the continuing resolution. All Republicans, along with at least one Democrat, affirmed that we indeed want the government functioning. Of course, we want military personnel and those working in critical areas like air traffic control and the TSA to be paid. We voted for that.”

Military personnel are set to receive their pay next Wednesday. Still, if the government continues to be closed, those payments could be delayed.

The Continuing Resolution (CR) represents an extension of current federal funding levels to give lawmakers more time to negotiate long-term government spending for the next fiscal year.

The CR, led by Republicans, has passed in the House and aims to sustain federal funding through November 21.

Yet, this bill has stalled in the Senate, failing five times as Democrats continue to push for the inclusion of an extension for Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Republicans have accused Democrats of making partisan demands that affect the American people, while Democrats have cautioned that the GOP is responsible for increasing healthcare costs for millions once the enhanced COVID-era subsidies run out.

Military service members are classified as “essential” federal employees, meaning they must continue to work even if their salaries are delayed.

However, once the situation with the shutdown is resolved, affected personnel will be compensated with back pay for the funds they missed.

In a private conversation among House Republicans and their leaders, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that the next crucial date to watch will be October 15, which could determine if the military will be affected by the ongoing shutdown.