Overview
- The administration says a $5.3 billion reallocation will cover the upcoming payday, drawing on Pentagon and Homeland Security funds and a private donation.
- President Donald Trump previously directed the Pentagon to use all available funds ahead of the Oct. 15 pay date, with troop pay twice secured only at the last minute.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned that options to compensate the military could run out by Nov. 15, putting future paychecks at risk without new solutions.
- Canceled weekend drills have cut income for reservists and jeopardized some health insurance premium payments, while many moving reimbursements remain on hold.
- Nonprofits have expanded relief as need grows, including an emergency grocery program that drew 50,000 military family sign-ups within 72 hours and food box distributions coordinated with private partners.