On Sunday, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) expressed doubt about the legality of President Trump’s actions to redirect Pentagon funds for military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown.
“Well, probably not,” Himes remarked in an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” He added, “We’ve discussed the White House’s grasp of U.S. law, but our conclusions are somewhat tentative.”
He emphasized the necessity of legislation to ensure military pay during the shutdown, but noted that the Speaker had eliminated that option. “Will Trump have a lot to say? Absolutely. But, honestly, nothing seems to progress,” Himes commented.
The government shutdown is set to start on October 1, with military personnel likely missing their first paychecks on October 15. On Saturday, Trump instructed Secretary of the Army Pete Hegseth to reallocate funds to cover military salaries.
“I’m using my authority as Commander-in-Chief to direct Secretary Hegseth to expend all available funds for our troops’ pay on October 15. We’ve pinpointed those funds, and they will be utilized for this purpose. I won’t let the Democrats endanger our military and national security through a reckless shutdown,” Trump declared.
A Pentagon source revealed that “around $8 billion in prior-year, unobligated Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation funds could be used to issue mid-month paychecks if funding disruptions persist past October 15.”
It’s still uncertain if U.S. Coast Guard employees will receive pay. While the Coast Guard is part of the military, it typically falls under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) stated he would not support a separate bill to fund military salaries, insisting that Democrats should vote on pre-approved bills to fund both the government and military expenses.
On the other hand, Democrats have continuously rejected this measure in the Senate, urging Republicans to extend enhanced benefits under the Affordable Care Act, which face expiration at the year’s end. Without this extension, many could face steep increases in healthcare costs.
