Could a default on government debt cause members of the military in Nevada to go without pay?

Active members of the military, along with veterans, could see their pay and benefits delayed if the U.S. defaults on its debt.

The government needs money to pay its bills. If it doesn’t have enough in its coffers, it borrows some. Republicans say they won’t allow the government to borrow any more money unless Democrats agree to cut future government spending. If Democrats refuse, many federal employees could see their pay and benefits delayed until an agreement is reached.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said, “If the U.S. defaults (…) I would have no authority or ability to ensure that our service members, civilians, or contractors would be paid in full or on time.”

For now, the Treasury Department has taken “extraordinary measures” to continue payments. But if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling, the government may be forced to default as early as June.