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GOP Pressures Speaker to Secure Military Pay Amid Shutdown

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The ongoing government shutdown has increased GOP pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to address military pay, as service members risk missed pay.
Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.) urged leadership to vote on her bipartisan bill to ensure service members are paid.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) said troop welfare should not be compromised in political disputes.
As the impasse persists, the risk of missed pay for service members grows.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, stemmed from a standoff between the Republican-led House and the Democratic Senate over funding the Affordable Care Act. This impasse furloughed approximately 800,000 federal employees and delayed military pay for over 1.3 million active-duty service members, highlighting ongoing partisan conflicts that continue to affect troop welfare and military morale today.

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Story summary

The ongoing government shutdown has increased GOP pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to address military pay, as service members risk missed pay.
Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.) urged leadership to vote on her bipartisan bill to ensure service members are paid.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) said troop welfare should not be compromised in political disputes.
As the impasse persists, the risk of missed pay for service members grows.

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