9On Saturday President Donald Trump announced that he directed the Pentagon to use $8 billion in unused research funds. To pay American soldiers during the government shutdown. which has caused negotiations to stall and government workers to be underpaid.
In midst of the ongoing government shutdown, Trump on Wednesday ordered the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to guarantee that U.S. troops get paid. This action provides military members with short-term respite. But not for hundreds of thousands of federal employees who are on vacation.
In an October 15th social media tweet, Trump said that he was taking action because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due.” One of the main pressure factors that could compel congressional action is eliminated by his decision. This probably guarantees that the closure, which is currently on its eleventh day, will last until at least a third week.
Serious health problems can result from chlorine exposure. ranging from breathing difficulties and skin irritation to death. Its use as a weapon is regarded as a war crime and a serious breach of international law. under the International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute.
The Observers, France 24’s digital research squad, confirmed images and videos taken in September 2024. displaying metal chlorine containers close to tiny craters at the Jaili oil refinery and Garri military base, both located north of Khartoum. Both were thereafter under the control of the SAF’s adversary, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Additionally, a clear yellow-green gas cloud linked to chlorine use was seen in a video. These materials’ geolocation was later verified by Human Rights Watch.
Investigators spoke with witnesses and examined posts on social media. including accounts that are both pro-SAF and pro-RSF. which explained the same things. The results suggest that chlorine might have been used as a weapon during the SAF and RSF battles.
The Organization is urging all parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention to support an open investigation. For Chemical Weapons Prohibition (OPCW). It can involve a difficult inspection. In the meantime, pressure is mounting on the United States to make public the proof that supported its sanctions on al-Burhan.
For federal personnel, no comparable action has been announced. Many of whom have been laid off or are working for no pay. as part of the government’s partial shutdown. Layoffs were implemented by the White House budget office on Friday.
Democrats were blamed by Trump. He said that he used his power as commander in chief to give Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instructions “to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th.” “To do this, we have identified funds, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS,” he continued.
Following the shutdown that started on October 1, U.S. service members faced the possibility of missing their next payment on Wednesday. the beginning of the fiscal year. With almost 1.3 million troops on active duty, lawmakers had particular worries about the possibility of missing payments.
Troops will be paid with Pentagon research and development dollars, according to a White House Office of Management and Budget official. Later, the Pentagon acknowledged that it had discovered approximately $8 billion in unobligated funds for testing, evaluation, research, and development. to cover the mid-month salaries “in the event the funding lapse continues past October 15th” from the prior fiscal year.
Whether the U.S. Coast Guard is included in the president’s directive was not immediately apparent. It functions under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime despite being a part of the Armed Forces.
After the shutdown is over, federal employees are legally entitled to their back pay. Trump signed the bill during his first administration. The president did, however, lately imply that he would think about refusing that back pay.
In the last twelve years, this is the third government shutdown in the country. leaving military families feeling more anxious. Many troops live paycheck to paycheck, but they will ultimately get their money back. Many have voiced worries about the effect on finances during the shutdown.
Congress has passed laws to ensure service personnel’ pay continues during previous shutdowns. But this time, talks on a similar bill have come to a standstill.
When asked if he would back such a bill earlier this week, Trump said, “That probably will happen,” and added, “We’ll take care of it.” We will always take care of our military.
A short-term financing bill was rejected by Democrats, which triggered the shutdown. requesting that federal health insurance subsidies be extended as part of it. in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. Millions of Americans would have to pay more each month when those subsidies expire at the end of the year.
Republican leaders and Trump have indicated that they are open to negotiating on the subsidies. Demand the reopening of the government first. Both parties have not changed their stances. leaving no obvious way to break the impasse.