Senate Democrats Reject Bipartisan Pay Bill
On Friday night, most Senate Democrats turned down a bipartisan proposal aimed at compensating active-duty soldiers and federal employees who continued working during the 38-day government shutdown, which notably included Capitol Police officers.
The bill, designed to provide pay for federal employees, was voted down 55-43, falling short of the 60-vote threshold required in the Senate. This marks the second instance where the Democratic majority has blocked a measure that would have delivered pay to some federal workers amid the funding lapse.
Only three Democrats – Sen. Ben Ray Luján from New Mexico, and Georgia’s Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock – supported Republican Sen. Ron Johnson’s Shutdown Fairness Act. Pennsylvania’s Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, the bill’s sponsor, did not take part in the voting.
Since the shutdown started on October 1, all federal workers have missed at least one full paycheck.
In a strong statement, Senate Majority Leader John Barrasso articulated the ramifications of a “no” vote, emphasizing that this means refusing to pay various essential personnel including air traffic controllers and military personnel.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also took aim at the Democrats, criticizing their decision to prolong the shutdown, despite the significant burden it imposes on federal workers who are currently working without pay. He expressed that if he were a Democrat, he would feel embarrassed walking past those in the Capitol Police who are struggling financially due to this situation.
Democrats justified their opposition to the bill by stating that it fails to address pay for all federal employees, yet they are unwilling to reopen the government to ensure total compensation.
Interestingly, some more progressive Democrats are determined to continue their stance, arguing that voters have backed their strategy to maintain the shutdown, particularly following a recent election victory.
Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut cautioned that resolving the funding lapse might weaken the party’s standing among its supporters, asserting that the upcoming 2026 elections are pressing. He fears conceding without gaining meaningful concessions could alienate potential Democratic voters.
In a related note, Republicans rejected a Democratic offer intended to extend Obamacare subsidies that are set to expire soon, linking this proposal to government funding negotiations. Republicans have insisted that healthcare negotiations won’t commence until the government is funded.
As the legislative discussion unfolds, President Trump noted that the Senate is anticipated to stay in session over the weekend to negotiate a resolution. Should an agreement fail to materialize, Trump has urged Republicans to consider utilizing the nuclear option to advance a funding solution independently.
Thune mentioned in a recent interview that the Republicans currently lack the votes to change existing procedural rules, indicating that support remains insufficient for such a move.
