Due to processing time, Congress would need to act to ensure military pay Monday or earlier in order to avoid troops' checks being delayed, DFAS confirmed. The current effects of the shutdown on installation programs and services vary from base to base. Lawmakers are pushing for military pay to continue. Some operations, like child care, may vary from base to base. Only a handful of Democrats supported the defense authorization bill plan, because of social issue fights included in the measure. Democratic leaders want answers on a path towards compromise on a host of federal budget fights before the end of next month. DOD will increase the stipend it pays during the 12-week fellowship. Current pilot program will close to new applications on Sept. 1. A top Senate Democrat is still awaiting clarity on when Guard troops patrolling the nation's capital will be compensated for that military duty. The U.S. Air Force has decided to deny early retirement options for transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service. The Senate defense budget plan would give a boost of more than 2% to base military funding next year, more than the White House asked for. The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate. Load More