US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned today that if the shutdown of the US government continues, the country will not be able to pay salaries to military personnel from November 15.
Bessent said that the soldiers will receive their upcoming salaries at the beginning of November, but that further blockade may lead to financial problems.
– I think we will be able to pay them at the beginning of November, but from November 15 our soldiers and service members who are ready to risk their lives will not be able to be paid, said Besent in an interview with CBS from Kuala Lumpur, where he is participating in the ASEAN summit together with President Donald Trump.
The Treasury Secretary accused the Democratic leaders in Congress of a lack of funds, pointing out that, according to him, they are more focused on the primary elections than on the American people.
The current US government shutdown began on Oct. 1, the start of fiscal year 2026, after Senate Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill that would have kept federal departments open until Nov. 21.
Democrats want an extension of health insurance tax credits as a condition for reopening the government, while Republicans want to negotiate on health care only after the shutdown ends, making it even more difficult to reach a deal.
If the situation is not resolved, thousands of US troops could go without pay, adding to the pressure on political leaders to reach a compromise.
(Vijesti.ba)
