Overview

• The president directed Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to use all available means to pay service members despite the funding lapse.
• The move is intended to ensure troops receive pay due Wednesday even though appropriations have expired.
• Trump accused Democrats of holding the military and national security hostage as the budget standoff continues.
• The shutdown, in effect since October 1 after failure to pass a stopgap bill, has furloughed an estimated 750,000 federal employees without pay.
• Republicans control both chambers but lack the 60 Senate votes needed for a stopgap, while Democrats are tying support to extending health subsidies for about 24 million people.