Vice President J.D. Vance on Saturday told U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton in California that they would continue receiving pay despite the ongoing government shutdown.
Speaking alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Second Lady Usha Vance, the vice president addressed service members gathered for the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration.
“I bring greetings today from our commander in chief, Donald J. Trump, and he wanted me to tell each and every single one of you that he’s proud of you, that he loves you,” Vance said.
“And despite the Schumer shutdown, he is going to do everything he can to make sure you get paid exactly what you deserve.”
Criticism Toward Congressional Democrats
Vance’s comments drew cheers and applause, particularly when he criticized Democrats for prolonging the shutdown.
“I have to get just a little political,” he added, “because congressional Democrats seem to want to keep the government shut down, even though it would mean that a lot of you would not get your paychecks.”
He noted that he had told the president that ensuring Marines receive their pay was not only essential for their families but also vital for local economies.
“If we don’t pay our enlisted Marines, every bar in Southern California is going to go out of business,” Vance joked.
Senate Prepares Vote to Protect Troop Pay
The issue of military pay has become a central topic during the shutdown.
Senate Republicans have questioned how the administration plans to fund salaries for more than one million service members.
Earlier this week, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Hegseth to use “all available funds” to guarantee troops are paid.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that a vote will take place next week on legislation introduced by Senator Ron Johnson that ensures continued payment for active-duty personnel during the shutdown, even after available emergency funds are depleted.
The proposed bill seeks to secure pay continuity for military members until the government resumes normal operations, emphasizing bipartisan recognition of the military’s vital role despite political gridlock in Washington.
