Shutdown would force military to work without pay
If Congress fails to pass funding by Oct. 1, active‑duty service members and deployed National Guard must continue duties with pay delayed until funding is restored; the Pentagon published contingency guidance that prioritizes operations (U.S. Southern Border, Middle East, the 'Golden Dome' missile‑defense project) and estimates roughly 406,000 of 741,000 DoD civilian employees would be required to work during a shutdown. Lawmakers introduced a bill to guarantee military pay, credit unions/USAA plan emergency loans, and elective medical procedures could be postponed even as TRICARE coverage continues.
Military
Government/Politics
🔍 Key Facts
- Active‑duty service members and deployed National Guard must continue to serve during a shutdown with pay delayed until Congress restores funding.
- DoD contingency guidance lists prioritized missions in order: operations to secure the U.S. Southern Border, Middle East operations, the U.S. missile defense project 'Golden Dome for America', depot maintenance, shipbuilding and critical munitions.
- DoD estimates about 406,000 of its 741,000 civilian employees would be required to work (excepted); TRICARE remains active but elective surgeries may be delayed; Navy Federal and USAA plan loan programs to help affected service members.