Government Shutdown: Federal Workers Face Layoffs
- During a C-SPAN interview on Thursday, October 5, 2023, House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a direct appeal from a constituent regarding the potential impact of the government shutdown...
- Samantha, a caller from Northern Virginia identifying as a Republican and a military spouse, explained that a lapse in pay would jeopardize her childrenS health.
- "If we see a lapse in pay come the 15th [of October], my children do not get to get the medication that's needed for them to live their...
Military Family Pleads wiht Speaker Johnson Over Potential Pay Loss
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Caller Details Dire Consequences of Shutdown
During a C-SPAN interview on Thursday, October 5, 2023, House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a direct appeal from a constituent regarding the potential impact of the government shutdown on military families.
Samantha, a caller from Northern Virginia identifying as a Republican and a military spouse, explained that a lapse in pay would jeopardize her childrenS health. She stated she has two medically fragile children and her husband, a veteran of two tours in Afghanistan, suffers from PTSD.
“If we see a lapse in pay come the 15th [of October], my children do not get to get the medication that’s needed for them to live their life, because we live paycheck to paycheck,” Samantha said. She further explained her family lacks the credit to cover mounting medical bills.
Urging a Standalone Bill and Expressing Disappointment
Samantha implored Speaker Johnson to call the House back into session to pass a standalone bill ensuring military pay continues, stating, “You have the power.” She expressed her disappointment with the Republican party and specifically with johnson’s current stance.
“I am begging you to pass this legislation,” she said. “My kids could die. We don’t have the credit as of the medical bills that I have to pay regularly. You could stop this.”
Johnson’s Response and Current Stance
Speaker Johnson listened attentively to Samantha’s plea, nodding at times.He responded with empathy, saying, “Samantha, I’m so sorry to hear about your situation,” and acknowledged that stories like hers “keep me up at night.”
Despite expressing concern, Johnson has not yet indicated a willingness to pass a seperate bill to continue paying the military. As of October 11, 2023, military members are poised to miss their paycheck on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Trump’s Previous Comments
samantha also referenced support from former president Donald Trump for a standalone bill to pay service members. However, Trump stated on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, that Congress has “plenty of time” to address the issue, noting, “One week for me is a long time,” and assuring the situation would be taken care of.