Vice President Vance stood before the brave men and women of the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, delivering a message of reassurance amid a frustrating government shutdown.
According to The Hill, on Saturday, during the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration in California, Vance, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and second lady Usha Vance, promised the troops they’d see their hard-earned paychecks despite political gridlock in Washington.
This event, marking a historic milestone for the Marines, became a platform for Vance to address a pressing concern for over a million service members facing uncertainty due to the shutdown.
Vance Delivers Trump’s Support to Troops
“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 told the gathered Marines.
That heartfelt message from the president is a reminder of the administration’s focus on those who sacrifice so much, even as congressional squabbles threaten their livelihoods.
Vance didn’t shy away from pointing fingers, blaming what he called the “Schumer shutdown” for risking the financial stability of our troops.
Political Gridlock Threatens Military Paychecks
“And despite the Schumer shutdown, he is going to do everything he can to make sure you get paid exactly what you deserve,” Vance emphasized to the Marines.
While that promise carries weight, it’s hard not to roll one’s eyes at the political theater in D.C. that forces such assurances in the first place—our service members shouldn’t be pawns in these games. Earlier this week, President Trump directed Defense Secretary Hegseth to tap into all available funds to secure military pay, a move that shows resolve but raises questions about long-term solutions.
Senate Steps Up with Proposed Legislation
In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota has scheduled a vote next week on a bill sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin to guarantee payment for service members once current unobligated funds run dry.
This legislative effort is a step in the right direction, though one wonders why it’s taken this long to prioritize the very people who defend our freedoms.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are pressing for clarity on how the administration plans to fund pay for over a million military personnel and what specific resources will be allocated.
Democrats Hold Firm on Unrelated Demands
On the other side of the aisle, Democrats are digging in, refusing to budge on reopening the government until an extension for expiring health care tax credits is negotiated.
While health care is a worthy concern, using the military’s pay as leverage in this standoff feels like a misplaced priority—surely, both issues can be addressed without holding our troops hostage to partisan agendas.
As the shutdown drags on, Vice President Vance’s words at Camp Pendleton serve as a reminder that leadership must cut through the noise and put America’s defenders first, no matter the political cost.
