House Speaker Mike Johnson has informed House Republicans that a standalone bill to fund troop pay will not be brought to a vote ahead of the Oct. 15 paycheck deadline, arguing that Senate opposition and Democratic resistance to a previously passed stopgap bill would derail the measure. Johnson also stated that the House will not reconven, until the Senate approves the pending continuing resolution, maintaining a 48-hour recall notice indefinitely.
In a private call with GOP lawmakers, Johnson urged rank-and-file Republicans to emphasize that a separate troop pay bill is unnecessary, as the House already passed a bill covering troop pay, air traffic, and other expenses. Johnson claimed Republicans should utilize their franking privileges to disseminate this message. Additionally, Johnson stated that advancing a standalone troop pay bill would diminish GOP leaders’ ability to pressure Senate Democrats to approve the House-approved stopgap measure.
However, Johnson’s position that the Senate would block the bill has faced skepticism, with some Republicans noting that Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) may not block the legislation through unanimous consent. White House officials have indicated that President Trump might redirect resources to ensure military members receive their pay, even if Congress fails to act.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s aide dismissed Johnson’s claim about Senate opposition, stating, “We have no idea what Speaker Johnson is talking about.” This disagreement highlights the growing tension between the two major parties, as the potential for a government shutdown looms due to the stalled funding bill.
The standoff over troop pay funding reflects deeper ideological divides, with Johnson and his conservative allies prioritizing budget control and legislative strategy over immediate relief for service members. Meanwhile, the prospect of a potential shutdown has raised concerns about the impact on federal operations and the livelihoods of millions of Americans who rely on government services.