Pentagon warns that a government shutdown will cost troops their pay over the holidays
The Pentagon is warning that Republicans’ decision to abandon a congressional spending plan will cost more than 2 million troops their paychecks over the holidays unless some agreement is reached before Friday’s deadline to prevent a government shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans’ decision to abandon a congressional spending plan will cost about 2.1 million troops their paychecks over the holidays unless some agreement is reached before Friday's deadline to prevent a government shutdown, the Pentagon warned.
Even if they don’t get paid, those troops will be required to report for duty both overseas and at home, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Thursday.
Without an agreement to fund the government, troops will not receive their end-of-month paychecks and reservists drilling after Friday will not be paid, he said.
In addition, about 365,000 Defense Department civilians will be required to work without pay if the government is shut down, according to defense officials. Most are deemed essential because they work in critical national security jobs. An additional 435,500 civilians would be furloughed.
