The Pentagon is warning that Republicans’ decision to abandon a congressional spending plan will cost more than 2 million troops their paychecks over the holidays unless some agreement is reached before Friday’s deadline to prevent a government shutdown.

Summary

The Pentagon warns that a potential government shutdown by Friday will halt military paychecks during the holidays unless Congress reaches a funding agreement.

Troops, including overseas and reserve forces, must continue reporting for duty unpaid, with federal civilian workers also affected.

The issue stems from House Republicans abandoning a spending plan after criticism from Donald Trump and Elon Musk over unrelated provisions, leaving lawmakers scrambling for an alternative.

Military leaders caution that this funding lapse will cause widespread disruptions, though such outcomes have been partially mitigated in past shutdowns.