Senate Rejects Bills to Fund Federal Workers Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Fri Oct 24 2025 22:31:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the government shutdown extends into its third week, the Senate fails to pass two competing bills aimed at funding federal workers, leaving many employees poised to miss paychecks.

On Thursday, the Senate turned down two partisan proposals intended to ensure federal employees are paid during the ongoing government shutdown, which has entered its 23rd day. Despite calls for negotiation, both parties remain at an impasse over funding and subsidy issues. Transportation Secretary expressed concerns over the potential impacts on essential services as workers continue to serve without pay, adding to the urgency of reaching a resolution as open enrollment for health care draws near.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected dueling partisan bills aimed at ensuring federal workers receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown, which is now in its 23rd day. As both parties trade blame, many federal employees are poised to miss their first full paycheck by the end of this week.

During the session, Republicans opposed a Democratic proposal that sought to pay all federal workers and prevent mass layoffs by the Trump administration. In response, Democrats blocked a Republican initiative to compensate workers who are currently on duty but not furloughed, with a vote tally of 54-45.

The disagreement highlights a deepening chasm between the two parties, with Democrats stating they won’t agree to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate over extending expiring subsidies related to the Affordable Care Act. Conversely, Republicans refuse to discuss the subsidies until the government is reopened. President Trump remains largely disengaged, focusing instead on an upcoming trip to Asia.

Dueling Bills to Pay Workers

Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin introduced the Republican measure, which aims to compensate 'excepted' workers during the current and future government shutdowns. He argued this bill would stop punishing federal workers for political dysfunction. Meanwhile, Democrats criticized the bill for potentially favoring certain workers over others and granting excessive discretion to Cabinet officials on payroll decisions.

Moreover, the Democratic legislation proposed a more inclusive payout for federal employees as many are set to miss their paychecks. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., expressed frustration at the lack of action, highlighting that every member of the chamber seemed to agree on the need to pay federal employees, yet the shutdown has resulted in adverse effects.

Essential Services Start to Dwindle

As talks stagnate, critical services are nearing a funding crisis. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns regarding air traffic controllers, many of whom will soon miss their first full paycheck. Duffy lamented the reality that controllers may have to seek second jobs to manage their finances, stating, 'I cannot guarantee you your flight is going to be on time. I cannot guarantee your flight is not going to be canceled.'

Further complications arise as essential federal services, including food assistance programs and educational initiatives like Head Start, risk running out of funds amid the shutdown.

Open Enrollment Approaches

With the open enrollment period for health care beginning on November 1, Democrats are pushing for negotiations with Republicans to extend subsidies which are set to expire at the year's end. Implementation of any agreements could prove challenging once enrollment starts.

While some Republicans have shown willingness to discuss potential changes to tax credits, it remains uncertain whether a bipartisan agreement can be reached. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated, 'Republicans have been perfectly clear that we’re willing to have a discussion about health care, just not while government funding is being held hostage.'