Fed shutdown may threaten pay

WASHINGTON – While Congress flirts with another potential government shutdown, chances are growing for a disruption to military-civilian pay and programs this week. Federal funding is slated to run out Nov. 8 unless lawmakers strike a deal to keep the government’s lights on or face the prospect of a shutdown. Democrat leadership has said there won’t be a funding plan until there’s a deal on the Child Health Insurance Program and immigration. The federal government has been operating off short-term continuing resolutions that were last approved in September. There hasn’t been a full budget since before the Obama Administration. A 16-day shutdown in October 2013 caused a rash of military programs to stop, including pay for military and civilian personnel, and base services and commissaries. Also, death gratuity payments to 30 Gold Star families were disrupted. (Source: Stars And Stripes 12/06/17)