Pentagon warns a government shutdown will cost troops their pay over Christmas

Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder during a press briefing at the Pentagon (Kevin Wolf/AP)

Republicans’ decision to abandon a congressional spending plan will cost about 2.1 million troops their pay over the Christmas holidays unless some agreement is reached before Friday’s deadline to prevent a government shutdown, the Pentagon warned.

Even if they do not get paid, those troops will be required to report for duty both overseas and at home, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder has said.