The Trump administration is exploring alternative funding options to ensure federal law enforcement officers receive their pay as the government shutdown extends into its third week. This financial impasse has resulted from ongoing disagreements between Democratic and Republican lawmakers. In addition, discussions are underway to secure funding for critical programs, including a food assistance initiative for women and children.
Despite the ongoing shutdown, U.S. military personnel are set to receive their salaries using pre-allocated funds from the Pentagon, as directed by President Trump. The federal workforce has already faced significant cuts, with Vice President JD Vance indicating that prolonged shutdown could result in additional layoffs.
Recent Senate activity included a vote on a stopgap budget, where a proposal was rejected with a 49 to 45 outcome. The exact funding required to ensure that all federal law enforcement officers are compensated remains uncertain. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed that the office is investigating various methods to facilitate these payments. Federal law enforcement personnel, categorized as “essential,” are expected to continue their duties without immediate pay. This group encompasses officers from various agencies, including the FBI, DEA, U.S. Border Patrol, and ICE.
In related news, President Trump announced that he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to utilize available funds to guarantee military pay by October 15. Although specifics were not provided, an OMB representative noted that these funds would stem from a two-year allocation intended for defense research and development. Approximately 750,000 federal employees, constituting about 40% of the government workforce, have either been furloughed or sent home without pay, with layoffs impacting at least seven agencies.
To mitigate the chaos of the shutdown, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported that her department has identified a solution for ensuring Coast Guard members can continue receiving pay, although details were not disclosed. Additionally, the administration has indicated that tariff revenue will be utilized to fund the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which serves over 6.5 million beneficiaries. However, the National WIC Association has cautioned that this funding approach is not a sustainable long-term solution, and Congressional Democrats are reportedly preparing legislation to secure consistent funding for the program.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gp55kkk2wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss