Pentagon warns government shutdown would 'cause serious disruptions across' Defense Department

WASHINGTON

The Pentagon warned Thursday that if lawmakers are not able to reach an agreement on a bill to fund the government ahead of a rapidly-approaching deadline, the Defense Department will face "serious disruptions."

"Objectively speaking, a lapse in funding will cause serious disruptions across the Defense Department and is still avoidable," spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters. "Therefore, DOD urges congress to reach a bipartisan, bicameral agreement on fiscal year 2025 appropriations and avoid a CR, or worse a government shutdown."

He was referring to a continuing resolution, which lawmakers had reached a bipartisan agreement on earlier this week before President-elect Donald Trump and his aides abruptly torpedoed it ahead of a Friday deadline. The agreement would have funded the government through March 14, but Trump and tech CEO Elon Musk rallied Republicans against it.

If an agreement is not reached to fund the government, troops would go unpaid until new funds are appropriated, and as with all other government agencies, all civilian staff deemed non-essential would be furloughed for the duration of the shutdown. All essential personnel would be paid retroactively after lawmakers agree on a new spending bill.

House Republicans on Thursday reached internal agreement on a new deal to fund the government and avoid a shutdown, but it was unclear if it would be able to clear the chamber amid potential opposition from Democrats and even some Republicans.

CNN reported that the agreement would fund the government for three months, would include a $110 billion disaster relief package for storm-ravaged southeastern states and for farmers and would suspend the debt limit, or the amount the federal government is allowed to borrow, for two years, a key demand from Trump.

"SUCCESS in Washington! Speaker Mike Johnson and the House have come to a very good Deal for the American People. The newly agreed to American Relief Act of 2024 will keep the Government open, fund our Great Farmers and others, and provide relief for those severely impacted by the devastating hurricanes," Trump said on Truth Social, his X rival.

"A VERY important piece, VITAL to the America First Agenda, was added as well - The date of the very unnecessary Debt Ceiling will be pushed out two years, to January 30, 2027," he added.

Democrats were reportedly meeting behind closed doors ahead of a vote in the House that could happen as soon as Thursday night.