Story perspectives

Republicans Urge Democrats to End Shutdown, Protect Troop Pay

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Nearly 30 Republican House veterans urge Senate Democrats to back a short-term spending bill to end the shutdown, citing risks to troop pay.
They blame Democrats for the shutdown, noting it furloughed Pentagon employees and disrupted training.
Senate Democrats blocked a defense appropriations bill and demanded guarantees on other funding measures.
Advocacy groups call it a "kitchen-table crisis" and urge a standalone Pay Our Troops Act to ensure pay.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, stemmed from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, following Republican gains in the 2010 elections. Approximately 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, reflecting ongoing partisan tensions that continue to influence budget negotiations today, as seen in recent calls from Republican veterans for bipartisan support to prevent troop pay disruptions.

1 of 2

Story summary

Nearly 30 Republican House veterans urge Senate Democrats to back a short-term spending bill to end the shutdown, citing risks to troop pay.
They blame Democrats for the shutdown, noting it furloughed Pentagon employees and disrupted training.
Senate Democrats blocked a defense appropriations bill and demanded guarantees on other funding measures.
Advocacy groups call it a "kitchen-table crisis" and urge a standalone Pay Our Troops Act to ensure pay.

1 / 2