(NEXSTAR) – As the government shutdown enters its third week, President Trump is looking to avoid a trouble spot with a plan to pay troops, but Congress is still no closer to a deal on funding federal agencies.
More than a million lively military personnel could expect to receive their pay on Wednesday despite the government shutdown. This came after President Trump instructed Secretary Pete Hegseth “Use all available means to pay our troops,” in a post on Truth Social.
“Really, really grateful to have him standing by the commander in chief,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said.
Some lawmakers, meanwhile, question whether Trump’s directive to redistribute paycheck funds is legal or whether it could even be implemented in time for Oct. 15.
“I think paying the military during a shutdown would require legislation; the Speaker of the House has taken that off the table,” said Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.). said Sunday during an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “So, I mean, is Donald Trump going to say a lot of things? Yes, he’s going to say a lot of things. But I don’t see anything moving.”
Speaker Johnson previously ruled out a standalone bill to pay troops, instead urging Democrats to pass Republicans’ government funding bill. The government says the money would come from the Pentagon’s non-binding research and development funds.
“I support the president’s move to pay for the military,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
However, Senator Blumenthal says the government needs to reopen.
“This shutdown can literally end tomorrow if Republicans come to the table and commit to extending the health care tax credit,” Blumenthal said.
Democrats are calling for an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expire at the end of the year. Since open enrollment begins Nov. 1, Democrats argue the extension must happen now. But Republicans say those negotiations can take place after the government reopens.
“As I have said time and time again, I have nothing to negotiate with,” Johnson said.
Johnson called the Democrats’ proposal, which calls for more than $1 trillion in up-to-date spending, frivolous. He blamed Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown.
“He is putting people’s lives and livelihoods at risk to appease his party’s far-left Marxist base so he can keep his job,” Johnson said.
The House of Representatives is on recess all week. The Senate returns Tuesday for its eighth vote on state funding.
