The Senate has once again blocked efforts to provide paychecks for essential government workers during the ongoing 23-day government shutdown. A Republican-backed bill, introduced by Sens. Ron Johnson and Todd Young, aimed to ensure regular pay for federal employees, military personnel, and other critical workers during shutdowns. However, the measure failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to advance over the threat of a filibuster, with only 54 senators supporting it.
Democrats criticized the proposal as incomplete and politically motivated, arguing that it did not address the broader funding issues that contributed to the current shutdown. The bill would have provided standard pay rates, allowances, and benefits to excepted employees during and beyond the current fiscal year. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his allies argued that the bill was too narrow and did not include provisions for other essential workers, such as those in public health and education.
Republican lawmakers accused Democratic senators of using theshutdown as a tool to advance their political agenda. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, stated that the refusal to pass the bill showed that Democrats do not care about the workers’ wellbeing. “It means Democrats don’t care,” Cornyn said. “We know this is going to end sometime. The question is when. I guess it will depend on how much carnage the Democrats want to create.”
Meanwhile, House Republicans have expressed openness to considering the Johnson-Young bill, with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., indicating his chamber would be “prepared to act” if the Senate passed it. However, Johnson also suggested that the bill would face significant challenges in securing Democratic support, warning that it would be clear that Democrats were using essential workers as pawns for their political efforts.
As the shutdown continues, essential workers across the country have been left without pay, with many facing financial strain and uncertainty. The failure of the Johnson-Young bill highlights the deepening political僵局 and the ongoing impact on federal employees and the broader public. With no resolution in sight, the situation continues to raise concerns about the government’s ability to function and the well-being of its essential workers.