Senate Republicans are considering a Friday vote on a bill to pay some federal employees and active-duty troops amid the government shutdown, which has now set a record in terms of its duration. Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that he is likely to bring up the legislation from Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) for a vote, following its previous rejection by Democrats last month. The Senate is also looking at a House-approved continuing resolution as a possible pathway for a larger funding deal.
The potential vote is happening as the shutdown’s effects intensify, with new flight cancellations and airport delays impacting the public. Thune has also hinted that the Senate may stay in, a departure from his earlier approach of avoiding extended sessions during the shutdown. Some senators have expressed frustration over the situation, with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) noting that many are reluctant to stay through the weekend without a concrete agreement emerging from the bipartisan negotiations.
Thune’s remarks suggest that the Senate is becoming increasingly determined to resolve the僵局, though the lack of progress so far indicates the challenge of bridging the gap between the parties. The ongoing stalemate continues to have wide-reaching consequences, affecting not only federal workers and military personnel but also the broader economy. With the shutdown entering its sixth week, the pressure on lawmakers to reach an agreement is mounting, and the potential vote on worker pay may be a crucial step in breaking the logjam.
As negotiations continue, the Senate’s actions could have significant implications for the government’s operations and the livelihoods of thousands of federal workers. The possibility of a vote on the pay legislation, while not a complete resolution of the crisis, may serve as a catalyst for further discussions. This situation highlights the broader challenges of political polarization and the difficulty of achieving consensus on fiscal matters in times of crisis.