Speaker Johnson rejects stand‑alone military pay bill
Speaker Mike Johnson has ruled out bringing a stand‑alone vote to ensure military pay during the government shutdown, telling Republicans on a Thursday conference call that such a move would amount to giving Democrats political cover. He says he is maintaining shutdown pressure with that strategy even as some GOP members voice concern about the optics and urge returning the House to session.
Military
Politics
📌 Key Facts
- On a Thursday conference call, Speaker Mike Johnson told House Republicans he would not bring up a standalone military pay bill, framing such a move as Democratic political cover.
- Johnson is maintaining a shutdown-pressure strategy rather than moving a separate measure to fund military pay.
- Some House Republicans have voiced concern about the optics of that strategy.
- Several GOP members want the House to return to session to address the matter.
- This reporting was published by Fox News on Oct. 9, 2025.
📰 Sources (2)
Johnson turns up shutdown pressure on Democrats as GOP unease grows
New information:
- On a Thursday conference call, Johnson again told Republicans he would not bring up a standalone military pay bill, framing it as Democratic political cover.
- Context that Johnson is maintaining shutdown pressure strategy while some GOP members voice concern about optics and want the House back in session.