(MENAFN) As the US government shutdown enters its third week, the Trump administration is exploring alternative methods to ensure federal law enforcement officers continue to receive pay, according to reports.

With negotiations between Democrats and Republicans at a stalemate, officials are examining ways to fund essential programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Meanwhile, military personnel are being paid using previously allocated Pentagon funds, following a directive from President Donald Trump.

Thousands of federal employees have already been furloughed, and Vice President JD Vance warned that further “painful” cuts could occur if the shutdown continues. On Tuesday, the Senate voted for the eighth time to fund the government, but the Republican stopgap budget failed to advance, losing 49-45.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) confirmed it is reviewing options to continue payments for federal law enforcement officers, who are considered “essential” and must report to duty despite not receiving salaries. These personnel include members of the FBI, DEA, US Border Patrol, and ICE.

On Saturday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to pay military members on October 15, when their pay would otherwise be withheld. An OMB spokesperson said the money would come from previously allocated defense research and development funds available for a two-year period.

Approximately 750,000 federal workers—about 40% of the total workforce—have been furloughed or sent home without pay, with around 4,000 already laid off across seven agencies. Both political parties continue to blame each other for the shutdown, while the administration seeks ways to maintain essential services.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem noted that her department had found an “innovative” method to ensure Coast Guard members are paid, though details were not disclosed. Administration officials also said that tariff revenue would be used to continue funding the WIC program, which serves more than 6.5 million women, infants, and children.

The National WIC Association cautioned that this is “not a permanent solution,” warning that a prolonged shutdown could jeopardize support for millions of beneficiaries. Congressional Democrats are reportedly preparing legislation to secure full funding for the program, with Representative Robert Scott calling for it to be “immune to the vagaries of the annual budget process.”

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