Speaker Johnson Rules Out Standalone Vote to Pay Troops During Shutdown

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said on Wednesday that he will not bring the House of Representatives back to Washington for a separate vote to ensure military service members receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown. Which has now entered its eighth day.

At a press conference, Johnson said the House had already passed a federal funding bill last month. That included pay for military personnel and would have prevented the shutdown entirely. He argued that it is now up to the Senate to act on that measure.

“I want everybody to listen to me very carefully,” Johnson told reporters. “House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N. Y “and the House Democrats are clamoring to get back here and have another vote. As some of them want to get on record and say they’re for paying the troops. We already had that vote. It’s called the continuing resolution. Every Republican and at least one Democrat had the common sense to say, ‘Of course, we want the government to stay in operation. Of course, we want to pay our troops and our air traffic controllers and our Border Patrol agents, TSA, and everybody else.’ We did have that vote.”

Military service members are expected to receive their next paycheck on Wednesday, but those payments will be delayed if the shutdown continues.

The continuing resolution (CR) passed by the GOP-led House would extend current federal funding through November 21. Maintaining existing levels while adding $88 million for security for lawmakers, the White House, and the judicial branch. However, the measure has failed five times in the Senate as Democrats push to include an extension of enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Republicans have accused Democrats of holding government operations hostage over partisan priorities. While Democrats have warned that allowing the subsidies to expire would increase healthcare costs for millions of Americans.

During the shutdown, military service members and other federal employees deemed “essential” must continue working without pay. They are expected to receive backpay once the shutdown ends.

On a private call with House Republicans over the weekend, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., noted that October 15 would be a critical date in the shutdown standoff. As it marks the next payday for U.S. troops the first, they would miss if the shutdown continued.

As the debate in Washington continues and military families brace for financial strain, many service members are focusing on readiness and preparedness. For those committed to staying organized and mission-ready, gear like the OWB Double Mag Pouch for S&W M&P 9/40, Sig P320, Beretta 92/96, Springfield XD 9/40 & More - USA Made - Signature Double Magazine Carrier with Tek-Lok offers a reliable way to keep essential equipment secure and accessible because being prepared doesn’t stop, even when paychecks do.