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Trump Orders Pentagon to Tap R&D Funds to Guarantee Troop Pay During Shutdown

Critics say the guarantee eases pressure on Congress, potentially prolonging the standoff.

Overview

  • White House and Pentagon officials said roughly $8 billion in non‑obligated research, development, test and evaluation funds were identified to cover the Oct. 15 military payroll.
  • About 1.3 million active‑duty service members are set to receive pay this week under the directive, which draws on Pentagon resources available for two years.
  • Hundreds of thousands of civilian federal employees remain unpaid or furloughed as the Office of Management and Budget proceeds with temporary dismissals, with court filings citing more than 4,000 imminent layoffs.
  • Republican leaders rejected a standalone bill to guarantee military pay, and repeated Senate votes on a short‑term funding measure have failed, leaving negotiations at an impasse.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance warned of deeper federal workforce cuts if the shutdown continues, as military communities such as Hampton Roads prepare for increased demand on food banks and local services.