Norfolk, Virginia —
Bashtye Bailey stood beneath the warm October sun at a food bank for military families near Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base. She waited her turn for a supply of fresh vegetables, chicken and eggs.
A Navy wife and a veteran herself, Bailey was already making plans to not receive their paycheck on Wednesday, a fear that was threatening to become such a political liability that President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered the Defense Department to find other funds to ensure military pay continues next week.
“We’ve already cut back on certain things and certain expenses,” said Bailey, who added that her husband’s paycheck is often just enough to get by.
The government shutdown is the latest whipsaw for members of the military and federal employees after a tumultuous year punctuated by layoffs, furloughs and job reassignments.
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