Government Shutdown Continues as Senate Rejects Funding Bills

Fri Oct 24 2025 03:04:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amid escalating tensions and bipartisan blame, the Senate has dismissed competing proposals aimed at ensuring federal workers receive pay during the ongoing government shutdown, leaving many employees facing missed paychecks.

On the 23rd day of the government shutdown, the Senate has failed to approve two partisan bills intended to provide pay for federal workers. Republicans and Democrats are at a deadlock, with Democrats insisting on negotiations regarding Affordable Care Act subsidies before agreeing to reopen the government. As federal employees prepare to miss their first full paycheck, essential services begin to dwindle, raising concerns about the impact of the shutdown on Americans' daily lives.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday rejected dueling partisan bills aimed at providing pay to federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown, with both Republicans and Democrats redirecting blame as numerous employees prepare to miss their first full paycheck at the end of this week.

Senate proceedings saw Republicans opposing a Democratic proposal that sought a voice vote on legislation to pay all federal workers and prevent mass firings under President Trump’s administration. In turn, Democrats blocked a Republican bill, designed to pay those employees who are working and not furloughed, with a vote tally of 54-45.

As Congress reaches day 23 of the shutdown, negotiations seem stalled, with both parties unwilling to concede to the other's demands. Democrats assert they will not agree to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate on crucial subsidies linked to the Affordable Care Act, while Republicans insist they will only discuss these subsidies after a government reopening decision is made. The White House, under Trump's leadership, remains largely inactive in these disputes as he is set to travel to Asia shortly.

Dueling Bills to Support Workers

A Republican proposal from Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin aims to provide payment to excepted employees required to work during this government shutdown and in future occurrences. Johnson described his bill as essential, stating it seeks to end the punitive nature of current practices affecting federal workers.

Conversely, Democrats argue that Johnson's approach discriminates against involuntarily furloughed employees and grants excessive discretion to Cabinet members on who receives paychecks. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill, characterizing it as another tool for Trump that undermines federal workers.

Democratic proposals aimed at providing pay to a broader range of workers were rejected, with many federal employees bracing for significant financial hardships in the coming days. It seems like everyone in this chamber agrees we should pay federal workers, noted Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., lamenting the current situation.

Waning Essential Services

As these discussions stagnate, essential services are on the verge of a crisis, with warnings that funding may soon diminish. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy advised air traffic controllers to continue working despite unpaid salaries, stating that they face tough financial decisions, including taking additional jobs.

Duffy noted that he cannot assure passengers that flights would be timely or unaltered as controllers prepare to miss their first full paycheck. Furthermore, many federal assistance programs, including food and energy aid, are nearing funding depletion, affecting numerous individuals across the nation.

Upcoming Open Enrollment Deadline

With open enrollment for Affordable Care Act marketplaces set to begin on November 1, Democrats are insisting on negotiations regarding the extension of tax credits that are due to expire at year-end. While some Republicans express openness to discuss modifications to these credits, consensus remains elusive. Republicans have made it clear that we are happy to discuss health care, just not while funding is taken hostage by the government shutdown, remarked Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.