Washington Update: Federal Workers Face Pay Uncertainty
On Monday, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt emphasized that millions of federal employees might miss their upcoming paychecks unless Democrats act to reopen the federal government by tonight.
During a press briefing at the White House, she addressed the ongoing situation. “We are currently on the sixth day of the Democratic government closure, leading to significant financial strain for millions of American federal workers who are concerned about how they will manage their bills and care for their families,” she stated.
Leavitt further explained that if Democrats do not vote to fund the government tonight, federal workers will be unable to receive their next full pay. She also mentioned that important nutrition programs for women, infants, and children are at risk of losing funding. If Democrats agree to fund the government, these programs can be “easily and fully funded,” supporting low-income families with essentials like healthy foods and baby formulas.
“Moreover, our dedicated military service members, who risk their lives for our safety, are currently working without pay and will miss their next paycheck if this closure continues,” she remarked.
Senate Democrats have consistently pushed for a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government at levels approved by previous President Joe Biden in 2025, with only three voting against it. Meanwhile, John Thune (R-SD) is focused on advancing individual spending bills through the typical legislative process.
Democrats have suggested their own continuing resolution, which includes demands such as reversing taxpayer-funded medical benefits in exchange for provisions related to immigration. “The unfortunate reality is that we believe Democrats are intentionally closing the government and causing harm to American citizens to push for free healthcare for undocumented immigrants,” Leavitt commented.
She continued, “Democrats and their supporters are also misleading about their true motives, as this is a controversial and radical policy they neither support nor want to admit is behind the government shutdown.”
