Senate fails again to end government shutdown
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) appeared on American Report to discuss the latest unsuccessful attempt to reopen the government, highlighting the ongoing issues that keep it closed.
If military personnel don’t receive their pay, it’s likely that many everyday Americans will see that as crossing a serious line. As of October 1, service members will receive their paychecks, but the subsequent checks won’t come until October 15. Unlike most federal employees who aren’t getting paid due to the ongoing situation driven by Chuck Schumer’s actions, military members can’t simply quit. They don’t have that option, and that’s a tough reality.
For the rest of the federal workforce affected by this shutdown, there’s an option to leave for a different job. It’s not easy—it can be stressful and even dangerous—but the choice is there, unlike for those in the military. Our volunteer forces don’t have the same flexibility during times like these, when funding lapses occur because of political maneuvers. They endure the impact of this shutdown without the possibility of saying, “I’m done.”
The prolonged shutdown has prompted growing numbers of lawmakers to refuse their salaries.
The lower-ranking members of the military face a tough financial situation. A non-commissioned officer with under two years of service earns about $2,319 monthly. For the “E-2” rank, it’s around $2,733. As they progress in rank, their pay increases, but for many new recruits, living paycheck to paycheck is the norm, especially if they have families to support.
On the other hand, senators don’t seem overly concerned about the paychecks of senior federal employees. Those in high-ranking positions, often making well above $150,000 annually, are less likely to struggle financially. Federal employees at the GS-15 level can earn between $123,000 and $183,000—or even more. While nobody enjoys missing a paycheck, these senior employees likely have more cushion to handle a disruption.
But the question arises—should a young sailor find themselves stationed far from home with a spouse and kids relying on them? Many are in that situation, and it seems time for Schumer to consider their well-being.
Anyone paying attention knows that Schumer is keeping the government closed partly to dodge criticism from potential challengers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2028. His political conflicts shouldn’t come at the cost of our military personnel, who signed up to serve and shouldn’t be caught up in electoral games.
Democrats are seeking negotiations, asking Republicans and President Donald Trump to engage in discussions. While the Republicans and the president have shown willingness to negotiate across various issues and spending bills—hoping for a more traditional legislative process—none of the 12 spending bills are typically ready by the fiscal year’s end on September 30. The reliance on “continuing resolutions” or “omnibus spending” isn’t exactly ideal.
This year has seen some progress, though, with the majority of the spending bills on course to be finalized by the time the “clean CR” runs out. Ongoing discussions are taking place about these bills, but a shutdown won’t help bolster Democratic leverage.
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It seems like Schumer has pulled his party into a complicated position. Senate rules state that passing a clean CR requires 60 votes, which means that along with the 52 Republicans, some Democrats need to support the House’s funding plan. Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has declared he won’t back funding bills that don’t cut spending, and a “clean CR” doesn’t address spending levels—an assertion he’s been pushing for clarity.
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Once the government is back in operation, negotiations can commence. But expectations should be clear: if Democrats want allocations for their districts, Republicans are likely to have their own list to negotiate.
Republicans decisively won the 2024 elections, and just because parts of the Democratic Party are struggling doesn’t mean they should return to power after a fair electoral process.
