Overview

• A Pentagon representative said roughly $8 billion originally earmarked for research and development has been identified as a potential source to cover pay if the shutdown persists.
• The move targets the next scheduled military payday on October 15 for about 1.3 million active-duty service members.
• The department has not detailed which accounts will be tapped or the precise mechanics of the reprogramming.
• Republicans control both chambers but lack the 60 Senate votes needed to pass funding, while Democrats are tying support to extending health-insurance subsidies affecting an estimated 24 million people.
• The administration has begun permanent reductions in force in federal agencies, intensifying the shutdown’s workforce impact.