Senate Fails To Pass Bill That Would Pay Essential Workers During Shutdown

Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led bill aimed at providing paychecks to essential government workers during the ongoing 23-day shutdown. The bill, proposed by Senators Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Todd Young of Indiana, failed to advance in a 54-45 vote, falling short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. Only three Democrats, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia, sided with Republicans.

The bill intended to ensure that essential federal employees, including military personnel, border patrol, and Transportation Security Administration workers, receive regular pay during the shutdown. It also proposed extending this provision to future shutdowns. However, Democrats criticized the bill as overly selective and incomplete, arguing that it did not address the needs of all federal workers affected by the shutdown.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats expressed concerns about the bill's approach, advocating instead for a measure that would ensure pay for all federal workers, including those furloughed. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia opposed the bill, stating, "I don’t like the bill because it gives the president the ability to decide who’s essential and who’s not."

The ongoing shutdown, which began on October 1, has left many federal employees working without pay. Republicans have proposed a short-term spending extension to reopen the government through November 21, but Democrats have rejected this, demanding an extension of COVID-19-era health insurance subsidies first. Senator Ron Johnson criticized Democrats, saying, "With Democrats continuing the Schumer Shutdown, they should at least agree to pay all the federal employees that are forced to continue working."

The deadlock continues with no resolution in sight, and millions of federal workers are poised to miss their first full paycheck.