Active duty military personnel may begin to face a lack of pay by November 15 if Congress fails to reach an agreement to end the ongoing government shutdown, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The current shutdown, which has now extended for nearly four weeks, has resulted in the furlough of approximately 750,000 federal workers and has left many others performing their duties without compensation.
In an effort to manage the payroll situation for the military, the Trump administration has reallocated funds within the Pentagon. They have also taken the extraordinary step of accepting a $130 million donation from a private philanthropist aimed at ensuring that around 1.3 million active service members can continue to receive their paychecks. However, Bessent made it clear that this financial strategy cannot sustain itself indefinitely, emphasizing the urgency as another pay date approaches on October 31.
In an appearance on CBS News on October 26, Bessent stated, “I think we’ll be able to pay them beginning in November. But by November 15, our troops and service members who are willing to risk their lives aren’t going to be able to get paid.” This statement underscores the critical nature of the impasse, as President Donald Trump is currently traveling in Asia, contributing to a lack of progress in negotiations.
The current shutdown marks the second longest in U.S. history, only surpassed by the 35-day shutdown that occurred during Trump’s first term. The continuation of this closure raises significant concerns about the financial stability of federal employees and military personnel who serve the nation. The hope is that lawmakers will find a resolution promptly to avert further financial strain on those who serve and protect the country.