The Senate on Thursday turned down competing partisan bills designed to pay federal workers during an ongoing government shutdown, leaving many employees poised to miss their first full paycheck at the end of the week. Republican dissent emerged as Democrats attempted to push a voice vote for their proposal aimed at ensuring payment for all federal employees, while GOP members blocked the motion on a bill aiming to compensate only those not furloughed.
As the shutdown extends into its third week, both parties remain locked in a tense standoff with no clear resolution in sight. Democrats insist they will not consent to reopening the government until negotiations over extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act take place, while Republicans refuse to discuss the subsidies without prior agreements to resume government operations.
Republican Senator Ron Johnson's bill aimed to compensate 'excepted' workers—those required to continue working—during the current and future shutdowns. Johnson argued that his bill would shield federal workers from being punished for government gridlock. However, Democrats criticized the legislation as inequitable for furloughed workers and potentially granting excessive authority to Cabinet members regarding employee payment decisions.
The Democratic proposals, in contrast, would cover a broader spectrum of federal workers, directly addressing the imminent financial hardship many could face due to the shutdown.
Warnings are growing concerning essential services dwindling as Congress remains unable to agree on future funding. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns for air traffic controllers, many of whom are now struggling to manage their finances without guaranteed paychecks.
As additional critical services face funding shortages, some lawmakers have signaled readiness for negotiations on extending tax credits related to healthcare, although it remains uncertain if mutual agreement will be reached amid the current political standoff.
As the shutdown extends into its third week, both parties remain locked in a tense standoff with no clear resolution in sight. Democrats insist they will not consent to reopening the government until negotiations over extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act take place, while Republicans refuse to discuss the subsidies without prior agreements to resume government operations.
Republican Senator Ron Johnson's bill aimed to compensate 'excepted' workers—those required to continue working—during the current and future shutdowns. Johnson argued that his bill would shield federal workers from being punished for government gridlock. However, Democrats criticized the legislation as inequitable for furloughed workers and potentially granting excessive authority to Cabinet members regarding employee payment decisions.
The Democratic proposals, in contrast, would cover a broader spectrum of federal workers, directly addressing the imminent financial hardship many could face due to the shutdown.
Warnings are growing concerning essential services dwindling as Congress remains unable to agree on future funding. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed concerns for air traffic controllers, many of whom are now struggling to manage their finances without guaranteed paychecks.
As additional critical services face funding shortages, some lawmakers have signaled readiness for negotiations on extending tax credits related to healthcare, although it remains uncertain if mutual agreement will be reached amid the current political standoff.
