The Trump administration is exploring alternative ways to ensure federal law enforcement officers are paid as the government shutdown enters its third week. With Democrats and Republicans at an impasse, officials are investigating creative funding solutions for essential services, including a vital program for women and children.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to use available funds to pay military personnel, addressing a critical concern for service members. However, Vice President JD Vance has cautioned that further cuts could become unavoidable if the shutdown persists, potentially impacting thousands of federal workers who have already been furloughed or sent home without pay.
The exact financial requirements to cover all federal law enforcement officers remain unclear. A spokesperson for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed that they are examining all avenues to maintain these payments. Like their military counterparts, federal law enforcement officers are designated as “essential” personnel and are required to continue their duties despite the lack of immediate compensation. This group includes dedicated officers from agencies such as the FBI, DEA, US Border Patrol, and ICE.
In a separate development, President Trump announced on social media that he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to utilize “all available funds” to ensure military pay on October 15th, preventing a lapse in compensation. An OMB spokesperson clarified that these funds would be reallocated from defense research and development allocations that have a two-year availability period.
Currently, around 750,000 federal employees, approximately 40% of the total federal workforce, have been furloughed or are working without pay. Several agencies have already initiated layoffs, affecting about 4,000 workers to date. Amidst the ongoing blame game between political parties, the administration is committed to finding ways to maintain essential services.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem indicated that the Coast Guard has found an “innovative” solution for continuous pay, though details are still forthcoming. Additionally, administration officials have stated that tariff revenues will be directed towards funding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
The WIC program serves over 6.5 million individuals nationwide, providing crucial food assistance to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and young children. The National WIC Association, however, has voiced concerns, labeling the measure as “not a permanent solution” and warning of potential risks to millions of beneficiaries due to a prolonged shutdown.
Congressional Democrats are reportedly preparing legislation to guarantee full funding for the WIC program, with Virginia Democrat Robert Scott advocating for its exemption from the annual budget process. The Senate is scheduled to vote on a funding bill for the eighth time on Tuesday, though its passage is considered unlikely.