Senate Republicans attempt to fast track emergency military pay as they brace for shutdown
Two Senate Republicans, Sens. Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, are taking the lead in ensuring that military members are paid in the event of a potential partial government shutdown. As Congress approaches the midnight deadline on Saturday morning, the two senators are working to “hotline” a bill that would guarantee all armed services and the coast guard receive their pay.
A hotline is a procedure used by senators to pass procedural motions or relatively noncontroversial measures with little to no public debate. In this case, the measure being pushed is titled the Pay Our Troops Act. Sullivan is expected to make a live request for unanimous consent to consider the bill on the Senate floor at 6 p.m.
Despite efforts to secure pay for military members, Senate Democrats are anticipated to object to the request, as they have done in the past. The initiative is not exclusive to the Senate, as Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia is advocating for a vote on a similar version of the bill in the House.
“We’re obviously pushing to keep the government open, but as a backup plan, we need to be providing reassurance to our military,” Kiggans stated, noting that she has been in discussions with House GOP leaders about getting a vote on her bill.
Overall, the goal of ensuring military pay during a potential shutdown is a bipartisan effort that aims to prioritize the well-being of service members. The initiative highlights the importance of supporting those who sacrifice for the country’s security.
As developments unfold in Congress, it is crucial to monitor the progress of these efforts to safeguard military pay. The commitment to upholding the financial security of armed forces reflects the bipartisan commitment to the welfare of those who serve the nation.
This article was contributed by Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, specializing in coverage of the U.S. Senate. For more updates on this issue and other political news, follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
