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Senate Rejects Shutdown Fairness Act, Millions Unpaid

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Senate failed to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act, 54-45, short of the 60-vote threshold during the shutdown now in its 23rd day.
Three Democratic senators supported the bill, while most Democrats opposed it, arguing it would give U.S. President Donald Trump power to decide pay.
The shutdown has left more than 1 million federal employees unpaid, as Republicans accused Democrats of politics and Democrats proposed pay for furloughed workers.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, stemmed from budget disputes primarily over the Affordable Care Act. Approximately 800,000 federal workers were furloughed as Republicans sought to defund the law, reflecting deepening partisan divides. This shutdown marked the fourth-longest in U.S. history and highlighted ongoing challenges in government operations and employee welfare amid political gridlock.

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Story summary

The Senate failed to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act, 54-45, short of the 60-vote threshold during the shutdown now in its 23rd day.
Three Democratic senators supported the bill, while most Democrats opposed it, arguing it would give U.S. President Donald Trump power to decide pay.
The shutdown has left more than 1 million federal employees unpaid, as Republicans accused Democrats of politics and Democrats proposed pay for furloughed workers.

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