Government shutdown live updates as military poised to miss first paychecks next week

When House Speaker Mike Johnson fielded questions about the shutdown on C-SPAN Thursday, a self-described GOP mother and military wife said the health of her two children was in jeopardy and urged him to call the House back into session to pass a bill to pay service members. 

“I have two medically fragile children,” said the caller, who identified herself as Samantha from Northern Virginia. “I have a husband who actively serves this country. He suffers from PTSD from his two tours in Afghanistan. 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.”

She pointed out that President Trump has supported the idea of passing a standalone bill — although the president said Wednesday Congress has plenty of time to do so: “One week for me is a long time,” he said. “We’ll take care of it.” 

For now, however, military members are poised to miss their paycheck next Wednesday. 

The caller told Johnson “you have the power” to call the House back and pass a standalone bill. 

“And as a Republican, I am very disappointed in my party, and I’m very disappointed in you,” she said. 

“I am begging you to pass this legislation,” she continued. “My kids could die. We don’t have the credit because of the medical bills that I have to pay regularly. You could stop this.”

Johnson listened quietly as she spoke, nodding his head at times. 

“Samantha, I’m so sorry to hear about your situation,” Johnson said, adding stories like hers keep him “up at night.” 

The speaker so far hasn’t expressed a willingness to pass a separate bill to continue paying the military.