Anticipating a Government Shutdown, Biden and Republicans Clash Over Military Salaries

Washington, D.C.- President Joe Biden is publicly accusing Republicans of ignoring the needs of military personnel and their families in light of the potential government shutdown. 

President Biden's latest comments follow an overarching campaign by the Democrat party to undermine the motivations of congressional Republicans unwilling to support their proposed budget. 

“Extreme House Republicans are playing politics with our servicemembers and their families,” said Biden. 

 

Republicans are attempting to counteract the left’s criticism by proposing the Pay Our Military Act of 2023. Senator Dan Sullivan (R) of Alaska proposed the act, which would fund Military personnel, including civilian employees and contractors, despite a government shutdown. 

Republicans are introducing the act to deflect Democrats’ criticism regarding potential military pay halts if a shutdown occurs. Additionally, if Democrats block the legislation’s passage, Republicans could blame Democrats for military personnel’s government shutdown-induced wage shortfalls. 

Senate Democrats previously rejected a similar bill, the Pay our Coast Guard law. Also proposed by Senator Sullivan, it would have ensured coast guard members’ pay during a shutdown. 

 Both Florida Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott have cosponsored Senator Sullivan’s latest move. 

“Our servicemembers shouldn't have to worry about their next paycheck,” stated Rubio shortly after Biden’s remarks. 

The military has been at the center of heated political debate amongst Republicans and Democrats, government spending aside.

Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R), for example, recently intensely questioned Superintendents Lieutenant General Steven W. Gilland of West Point, Vice Admiral Sean Buck of the U.S. Naval Academy, and Lieutenant General Richard M. Clark of the U.S. Air Force Academy on CRT being taught in U.S. Military Academies. 

Republican presidential candidates have also been capitalizing on the growing belief amongst conservatives of the military’s increasingly progressive stance.

One such candidate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, promised to 'Rip the woke out of the military' were he to become the next US president.