Democratic lawmakers are currently split over President Trump’s choice to utilize unused defense funds to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks during the ongoing government shutdown.
While some Democrats criticized the president’s action to allocate previously approved funds for military salaries, others in Congress viewed it as a positive development. Most Democrats surveyed by the Daily Caller News Foundation opposed the bipartisan funding measure aimed at preventing governmental funding loss and ensuring soldiers are paid. (Related: Democrats insist they are not at fault for troops working without pay during Schumer’s shutdown)
“First and foremost, we need to ensure our military is funded,” stated Connecticut Representative Rosa DeLauro, who is the leading Democrat on the House appropriations committee. “He’s just reallocating money illegally,” she added.
“They’re a lawless administration that took office in January and are extracting funds unlawfully. This has to cease—this is part of why we are discussing it,” DeLauro continued.
Several Senate Democrats who have consistently opposed reopening the government echoed DeLauro’s sentiments on Wednesday.
“This is simply another instance of what many would deem illegal,” said Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper from Colorado. “While pursuing this in court may not be feasible, we strongly believe this action is unlawful.”
“There are doubts about whether this is even permissible. We all aim to ensure our troops are compensated, and the most effective way to achieve that is by reopening the government,” added Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen from Maryland, who also voted against a bill to end the shutdown.
The funding stalemate has now entered its 15th day, with no resolution in sight.
If not for presidential intervention, U.S. service members would be facing a historic first by going unpaid. Reports indicate the Army plans to reallocate $8 billion set aside by Congress for research and development to cover soldiers’ upcoming pay.
On the other hand, many Republicans have applauded the president’s decision to redirect unspent Pentagon funds to ensure service members aren’t underpaid.
“I’m not entirely sure how he’s managing it, but I’m just glad the military is getting paid, and we can figure out the process later,” remarked Republican Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana.
“Even if Congress isn’t doing its part, I fully support him taking initiative, and I commend his actions,” said Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho. “It’s essential that the military is funded.”
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt referred to Democratic criticisms of the president’s actions as illegal, calling them “despicable and callous.”
Nonetheless, a significant number of Democrats supported the move to ensure military salaries during the extended shutdown.
“I’m fine with that,” Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine from Virginia told DCNF. “I want people to realize what isn’t being funded while this money is being allocated for military salaries. But there are settlement funds available, so I’m okay with the decision.”
“Honestly, with the House on break, it seems unlikely that a bill will pass. In the meantime, I’ll effectively use the president’s emergency powers to support him,” Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut added.
Speaker Mike Johnson has continuously defended keeping the House in session amid the shutdown, claiming that lawmakers fulfilled their responsibilities by passing a clean, bipartisan funding bill back in September.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and a majority of his colleagues rejected the House-passed bill for the ninth time on Wednesday afternoon.
Other Democrats who indicated support for paying the troops didn’t specifically mention Trump, nor did they express any opinion on whether using unspent funds for military pay fell under his authority.
“We all want our troops compensated,” said Democratic Sen. Patty Murray from Washington, a frequent critic of the Trump administration’s fiscal decisions.
“We need to ensure our courageous soldiers are protected when faced with danger,” remarked Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden from Oregon.
