Trump tells troops “every last penny” is coming as paychecks remain frozen amid government shutdown
President Donald Trump told sailors at Naval Station Norfolk they will receive “every last penny,” including promised pay raises, assuring active-duty personnel will be paid retroactively despite a government shutdown that has frozen military paychecks.
Key takeaways
- Active-duty troops continue to report for duty while paychecks are halted (CBS News, Military Times).
- Law guarantees back pay after a shutdown ends, but it does not provide immediate checks during the funding lapse (CBS News).
- The “Pay Our Troops Act of 2026” is proposed to guarantee pay during future shutdowns, but movement is slow as Congress is out of session (Rep. Jen Kiggans, Military Times).
Trump’s promise at Naval Station Norfolk
At an event marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, President Trump addressed sailors and service members at Naval Station Norfolk, assuring them that their pay — and pay raises already promised — would be paid in full once the government reopens. He said,
“You will get every last penny.”
The remarks were reported by media including Washington Examiner and AOL.
Legal guarantee of back pay — not immediate pay
Federal law provides that most federal employees and service members receive retroactive pay after a shutdown ends under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019. That guarantee ensures back pay once funding is approved, but does not enable payroll to continue during the shutdown (CBS News).
Unless Congress passes special legislation to fund military pay during a lapse — as it did with the Pay Our Military Act in 2013 — active-duty paychecks remain suspended. The next scheduled pay period puts many troops at risk of missing pay as early as Oct. 15 without action (CBS News, Military Times).
Operational effects on service members and missions
Even while pay halts, active-duty and “excepted” Defense civilians are required to work; nonessential civilians are furloughed. That split strains installations as military personnel maintain operations while some support services and administrative functions are reduced (CBS News, Military Times).
Other operational impacts include:
- Restrictions on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves and many temporary duty assignments unless essential to national security (Military Times).
- Possible delays in specialty pays and stipends beyond base pay, depending on funding and Defense implementation decisions (Military Times).
- Continuation of military retiree checks and annuities because those funds come from separate streams unaffected by the lapse (Military Times).
Legislative push: the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R‑Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation called the “Pay Our Troops Act of 2026”. The bill would guarantee pay to active-duty service members, the Coast Guard, civilian personnel directly supporting missions, and certain essential contractors during future shutdowns — extending payments until normal funding resumes or until Jan. 1, 2027, according to the sponsor’s office (Rep. Jen Kiggans, Military Times).
Supporters argue the bill would prevent hardship like that currently unfolding; critics cite logistical and budgetary questions. Movement is likely to be slow while Congress is out of session and negotiations focus on reopening funding (CBS News).
Who is being paid now — and who is not
- Active‑duty service members: Payroll is frozen; back pay will be provided after the shutdown ends under current law but no immediate checks are guaranteed without congressional action (CBS News).
- Civilian Defense workers deemed “excepted”: Required to work without pay during the shutdown; pay is delayed (CBS News).
- Non-excepted federal civilians: Furloughed and not working during the shutdown (CBS News).
- Military retirees and annuitants: Continue to receive pay because their funding comes from separate streams (Military Times).
On the ground: how troops and families are coping
Relief organizations, credit unions and some banks are offering assistance to service members who miss pay. Local charitable groups and branch-level funds often mobilize to help families cover essentials like rent and groceries (Military Times).
Service members interviewed during past shutdowns describe added stress, juggling bills and relying on short-term loans or assistance. Installation leadership typically tries to connect families with available resources, but those programs vary by base and do not replace regular paychecks.
Political framing and dispute
The president used his Norfolk remarks to blame Democrats for the funding lapse, calling it a “Democrat-induced shutdown.” That framing is part of broader public messaging aimed at pressuring lawmakers to resolve funding quickly (Washington Examiner, AOL).
Lawmakers on both sides warn of political risk in leaving troops unpaid. Past bipartisan targeted measures to protect military pay exist, but broader budget fights complicate quick action this time.
Sources and legal context
Coverage and legal reporting: Washington Examiner, AOL, CBS News, Military Times, Rep. Jen Kiggans, LiveNowFox.
Implications for Los Angeles, California
Economic: Southern California’s large military and defense community — active‑duty members, National Guard units, civilians and defense contractors — could see local economic ripple effects if pay is delayed, from small businesses near bases to landlords and service providers.
Political: Local elected officials and members of Congress from California are likely to respond quickly, amplifying pressure when major military population centers report financial strain.
Social & Cultural: Military families may face hardships covering rent, childcare and loans. Community organizations, base family support centers and faith-based groups are likely to mobilize to meet increased demand for relief.
Practical applications: What Los Angeles residents and service members can do now
- Service members: Contact installation family support offices and service relief societies for emergency loans, grants and counseling (Military Times).
- Families: Check with local credit unions and banks for temporary relief or special programs for military members during a shutdown (Military Times).
- Community groups & businesses: Coordinate with base leaders and non-profits to set up food drives, emergency funds, and outreach to at-risk families.
- Voters: Follow progress on the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 and contact congressional offices to express support for measures that prevent future disruptions.
What to watch next
Reporting on this developing story will continue as Congress returns to session and as lawmakers, military leaders and the White House respond to pressure to resolve the funding lapse and protect service members’ pay. For related coverage, see CBS News and Military Times.
