Democrat Jeffries Criticizes Military Pay Bill Amid 22-Day Federal Shutdown

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has criticized recent Republican-backed legislation designed to pay military service members and some federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, labeling it a political ploy that gives President Trump discretion over which employees receive compensation. Jeffries and other Democrats argue that all federal employees should be paid only when the government fully reopens, opposing standalone bills that address partial payments. Republicans, including Sen. Ron Johnson and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have pushed bills to ensure pay for essential workers amid the shutdown, emphasizing support for troops and federal workers. The White House criticized Jeffries for dismissing the payment bill, accusing Democrats of prolonging the shutdown and putting other priorities ahead of paying troops. Congressional Republicans have also condemned Jeffries’ stance, accusing Democrats of blocking efforts to pay federal workers during the crisis. The shutdown continues with no clear resolution as Democrats demand broader healthcare provisions attached to funding bills, while Republicans seek to pass targeted payment legislation to alleviate federal workers' financial hardships.