The ongoing government shutdown has entered its eighth day, and tensions are escalating as lawmakers clash over military pay. House Speaker Mike Johnson has ruled out a standalone vote to address troop compensation during the shutdown, leading to frustration among Democrats who are urging him to reconvene the House for immediate action. With key pay deadlines looming, the Republican leadership is grappling with intense pressure to find a solution that addresses both military pay and other government functions. As the political standoff continues, many are left questioning whether U.S. troops will receive their paychecks on upcoming due dates, with some Republican leaders suggesting that military pay may be used as leverage in negotiations to end the shutdown.