House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a stark warning today: the White House’s current effort to keep troops paid during the shutdown is a short-term fix—and the government could soon run out of funds to cover military salaries.
At a press briefing, Johnson acknowledged that President Trump has redirected unused Pentagon R&D dollars to ensure active-duty service members receive their mid-month paychecks. But Johnson emphasized that move is not sustainable:
“The executive branch, his help, is not permanent … if the Democrats continue to vote to keep the government closed … U.S. troops are going to risk missing a full paycheck at the end of this month.”
Under the current shutdown, Congress has failed to pass a continuing resolution or full appropriations bills. Johnson said that without a funding agreement, both civilian and military payrolls will become vulnerable again.
While the administration’s funding maneuver spared one paycheck, Johnson noted that funds are finite and warned that October 31 salaries could be at risk if the impasse continues. The speaker insisted the House will not hold a standalone vote on troop pay, arguing it would be symbolic rather than a solution—especially since the Senate has repeatedly blocked GOP funding proposals.
As the shutdown drags on, uncertainties persist about how long the military can be shielded from the full effects of unfunded government operations.