Will Military Be Paid During Shutdown?
As the partial government shutdown in the United States continues to affect federal employees, one of the most pressing questions is whether military personnel will receive their pay during this time. The answer is YES, but there are some nuances to understand.
Contents
History of Military Pay During Government Shutdowns
During the 1995-1996 government shutdown, President Bill Clinton guaranteed that active-duty military personnel would receive their pay during the shutdown. This was seen as a necessary move to ensure that military operations and readiness were not affected.
Since then, this practice has been continued. Congress has always prioritized ensuring that military personnel receive their pay, regardless of government shutdowns or fiscal year appropriations.
Current Law: The Pay Guarantee
According to Section 1051 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, the pay guarantee ensures that:
- Active-duty military personnel, including enlisted personnel, warrant officers, and commissioned officers, receive their pay as normal
- Retired military personnel continue to receive their regular pension and compensation
- MILITARY RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD PERSONNEL, who are also considered federal employees, are entitled to their regular pay and allowances
The law also provides for PAY GUARANTEE FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES. Although DOD civilian employees may be furloughed, they are guaranteed pay for any accrued but unpaid work.
Funding and Shutdowns
In normal circumstances, military pay is funded through the Department of Defense’s (DOD) annual appropriations. However, during government shutdowns, funding is delayed, and CONGRESS APPROVES BACKUP FUNDS to ensure continued pay for military personnel.
During the 2013 government shutdown, for example, Congress approved Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense-Related Activities, which provided funds to pay military personnel. This has become a standard procedure in case of a shutdown.
Timing and Contingency Plans
Pay periods affected by government shutdowns typically involve delayed payment or accelerated payment dates. For instance:
- During the 2018-2019 shutdown, MILITARY PERSONNEL RECEIVED A DEBIT CARD TO COVER LIVING EXPENSES, which allowed them to continue receiving their regular pay in an accelerated manner.
- If a shutdown persists for an extended period, Congress might need to PASS EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS to provide funds for military personnel pay and other essential services.
Consequences and Concerns
While military personnel are guaranteed pay, the shutdown still affects other aspects of their lives and service. FAMILIES MAY EXPERIENCE DELAYED OR SUSPENDED ASSISTANCE related to food stamps, child care, and other support services. Additionally, some military operations and training might be affected, although these effects are typically minimal.
TO AVERT ANY CONCERNS, military personnel should:
- Ensure timely notification of their banking information
- Plan for any financial irregularities, such as delayed payments
- Reach out to their base financial office for assistance with emergency financial matters
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question "Will military be paid during shutdown?" is a resounding YES. While government shutdowns can create uncertainty and inconvenience, military personnel are guaranteed their regular pay, and efforts are made to minimize the impact on their lives and service. CONGRESS WILL CONTINUE TO PRIORITY THE PAY AND WELFARE OF MILITARY PERSONNEL.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | During Government Shutdown | Effect on Military Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pay | Guaranteed | Received normally |
| Retirement Compensation | Guaranteed | Received normally |
| Reserve and National Guard Pay | Guaranteed | Received normally |
| DOD Civilian Employee Pay | Backed up | Guaranteed |
Important Bullet Points:
• Congress prioritizes ensuring military personnel receive their pay during government shutdowns.
• Pay is guaranteed for active-duty, retired, and reserve personnel, as well as DOD civilian employees.
• In case of a shutdown, Congress approves emergency funding for military personnel pay and other essential services.
• Families may experience delayed or suspended assistance, but this can be addressed by notifying their base financial office and planning for any financial irregularities.
• Military operations and training may be affected, but these effects are typically minimal.
