“That’s what I call a patriot”: Donor Transfers $130 Million for Soldiers‘ Salaries Amid US Shutdown
The US military is facing an unusual funding situation as a prolonged government shutdown continues. A private donor has transferred $130 million intended to cover soldiers’ salaries,a move critics suggest might potentially be unusual and potentially illegal.
Typically, the US military budget is funded through public funds. the Pentagon has a policy requiring officials to “consult with their designated ethics officer before accepting a donation valued at more than $10,000” to ensure the donor isn’t involved in ongoing departmental proceedings, contracts, or litigation.
While the military can accept private donations, these are generally limited to supporting military schools, hospitals, libraries, museums, cemeteries, and providing aid to soldiers and civilian employees injured or killed in the line of duty.
According to a White House official cited by Bloomberg news agency, the government is justifying the acceptance of the donation by depositing the funds into a historically used fund for military academies and cemeteries, then utilizing those funds to pay salaries.
However, legal experts question the legality of bypassing the standard appropriations process. Matthew Lawrence, a lawyer at Emory University in Atlanta and former White House budget official, explained that the Army Clause of the U.S. Constitution limits military funding and requires congressional renewal of authorization every two years. “The framers of the Constitution were very concerned about the president’s control over the army,” he said. “Supporting an army outside of the budget process, such as during a budget shortfall, would directly contradict this constitutional imperative,” Lawrence stated.
The issue of soldier pay has become a key point of contention and political leverage during the current government shutdown, which is now one of the longest in US history. Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, and Democrats remain deadlocked over health policy, with Democrats demanding the inclusion of expiring health care subsidy extensions in any budget proposal. The republicans require Democratic votes to pass a budget despite their majority.
The shutdown has led to restricted operations and limited work at numerous federal agencies, with many employees currently unpaid.President Trump announced two weeks ago his intention to reallocate funds to ensure soldiers received pay,a plan now partially realized through this private donation.
Source: AP/blo/dpa/dp
