The Defense Department has begun paying U.S. troops today, despite an ongoing government shutdown, tapping $8 billion in research and development funds. "Thanks to President Trump's leadership, service members received their mid-month salary, and their Leave and Earnings Statements (LES) are now available in myPay,” according to a statement from DOD. The department did not provide additional information that was sought. It remains unclear which R&D programs have become “bill-payers,” and congressional staffers say DOD has not sent an above-threshold...
