Reports: Troops could miss paychecks in a shutdown
Published: March 12, 2011
Troops would be forced to work without pay if the federal budget impasse leads to a government shutdown, according to multiple reports citing draft guidance circulating at the Pentagon.
The government has been funded by a series of continuing resolutions since the fiscal year began in October, but the current temporary measure expires on March 18. Should the deadline pass without another extension, servicemembers would begin missing paychecks if the shutdown lasts beyond April 1, the Air Force Times reported. It noted, however, that troops – and Defense Department civilians deemed essential and required to stay on – would receive back pay once the budget situation is resolved.
DOD civilians ruled nonessential would be furloughed in a shutdown and it was not clear whether they would be eligible for back pay.
During the last government shutdown in 1995, servicemembers continued to work and continued to receive their pay.
On Wednesday, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called on Congress to pass a bill that would fund the military regardless of whether an agreement can be reached on the full federal budget. It would be irresponsible for Congress to “continue to fund the Department of Defense by passing two week-by-two week continuing resolutions while we are fighting two wars,” he said in a statement.
