Reference News Network October 11 report: According to CNN website on October 9, during the U.S. government shutdown, active-duty forces are facing the dilemma of not receiving their salaries.
The report said that several U.S. officials revealed that the U.S. Army will accept a donation of about $1 million to pay for the travel and accommodation expenses of senior leaders attending a professional development conference in Washington D.C. next week. The travel, accommodation, and meal expenses of many Army leaders and their staff will be paid by the donation from the Army Association. The Army Association is a non-profit professional development association serving the Army.
A spokesperson for the Army Association, Tom McQuinn, refused to comment on the donation amount but said, "The money is sufficient to meet the Army's financial needs."
The report also mentioned that after the government shutdown, the feasibility of the conference was questioned, as the shutdown meant no funds were available to pay for travel expenses or subsidies.
An American official said that it is a normal practice for the Army Association to donate to the Army to invite leaders to attend the conference, but they said that due to the funding challenges caused by the government shutdown, the recent $1 million donation seemed to be beyond the usual amount.
The annual Army Association meeting is a large gathering attended by Army leaders and staff, defense industry executives, and foreign military representatives in downtown Washington D.C. Usually, senior leaders hold media roundtables and press conferences, while military officers attend speeches, workshops, and listen to the latest updates on the Army's goals for the following year.
The report mentioned that the National Guard deployed in Washington D.C. and other cities across the country (including Los Angeles, Portland, and Chicago), as well as active-duty forces around the world, will not receive their next paycheck.
CNN reported last week that military families would not be able to receive their pay on October 15. Some families have already gone to local food banks in advance to stock up on groceries and supplies in case the government shutdown continues to have an impact. (Translated by Xu Yanhong)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559744754297111049/
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