US military personnel are facing the possibility of going without pay if funding is not passed before the looming deadline on Friday, leading to a potential government shutdown, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
Despite the funding uncertainty, the Department of Defense has assured that operations will continue even if funding lapses. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized on Thursday that military personnel, both on active duty and Reserve Component personnel on federal active duty, will remain on duty to carry out their missions worldwide in defense of the nation and its security interests.
Ryder highlighted that while military personnel will continue their duties, they will not receive their pay until new funds are appropriated by Congress. On the other hand, civilian personnel, including military technicians, who are deemed non-essential for ongoing activities, would face furloughs in the event of a funding lapse.
If funding is not approved by the end of Friday, the government will be forced to shut down. Ryder expressed concerns about the potential disruptions a funding lapse could cause across the Defense Department, emphasizing that such a situation is still avoidable.
The Department of Defense is urging Congress to come to a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to prevent a shutdown and ensure the continued operation of essential military functions.
