On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) challenged Democrats to contest President Trump’s recent decision to reallocate funds set aside during the government shutdown for military pay. “If Democrats want to go to court regarding our soldiers’ pay, bring it,” he stated during a press conference at Parliament House.
Johnson expressed his belief that the administration had the authority to shift funds to the Pentagon, including unused research and development budgets, as Congress saw fit.
Over the weekend, President Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use previously allocated funds to ensure soldiers are paid amid the ongoing government shutdown. This action also provided support to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who faced pressure to bring the House of Commons back for a vote on a bill to ensure soldier pay.
However, some Democrats and analysts have raised concerns about the legality of the administration’s actions. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) mentioned on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that he believed the strategy was probably not lawful. “I think we would need a bill to pay the military during the government shutdown, but the Speaker took that off the table,” Himes remarked. “Donald Trump will make a lot of claims, sure, but I don’t see any significant action happening.”
Pentagon officials have reported that they have uncovered around $8 billion in unobligated research, development, testing, and evaluation funds from past fiscal years. These funds would be utilized for mid-month paychecks for service members if the government doesn’t reopen by October 15.
Romina Boccia, the director of budget and entitlement policy at the Cato Institute, noted on Monday that while Congress technically has the power to cancel and repurpose unobligated balances, it might be unlawful for the administration to do so without congressional approval. “The administration doesn’t have the right to use these funds at its discretion,” she added. “If Congress wants to ensure military salaries during the ongoing shutdown, it must pass a bill to authorize the necessary funds.”
Johnson commended Trump for his decision to prioritize soldier pay while also criticizing Senate Democrats for their opposition to the Republican-led continuing resolution. “I appreciate the commander-in-chief who has voted eight times because he understands our nation’s priorities and the urgency we all feel for national defense,” Johnson remarked.
“Republicans have made it clear by voting eight times across both the House and Senate to fund the military and ensure federal workers are compensated for their crucial roles,” he continued. “In contrast, Democrats have voted eight times to withhold pay. We’re fortunate to have a president who is willing to take the necessary steps to do what’s right.”
