Pentagon Says Troops Won't Be Paid Over Holidays If Government Shuts Down

U.S. troops would not be paid if Congress is unable to reach a deal to fund the government by midnight Friday, a Pentagon official said. (Credit: John Moore/Getty Images)

A top Pentagon official said the U.S. military will continue to carry out its "fundamental responsibility and mission to defend" the country if Congress fails to reach a deal to fund the government but warned that military personnel would not be paid.

If the government shuts down at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryan said troops will not receive their end-of-month paycheck during the holiday season, reservists drilling after Friday and federal civilians required to work during a shutdown will not be paid.