Military to miss first paychecks during U.S. government shutdown

The U.S. government shutdown is now directly affecting paychecks for millions of Americans. Many workers received smaller or final paychecks today, and military members are expected to miss their first paycheck on October 15. In past shutdowns, Congress ensured troops and federal workers would still get paid or receive back pay later, but the White House has now cast doubt on back pay for furloughed staff. Meanwhile, mass layoffs began Friday, hitting agencies like the Department of Education, whose workforce has been cut nearly in half since 2021, and Health and Human Services, where officials declined to share details. The shutdown’s toll is growing, with both public servants and national security affected.