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Senate Debates Shutdown Pay Amid 23-Day Stalemate

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Senate is on its 23rd day of a government shutdown, debating pay.
The Shutdown Fairness Act, sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), would pay workers who must work without pay, including military personnel and air traffic controllers.
The bill was blocked 54-45, with Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) voting in favor, while Democrats proposed their own legislation to ensure all federal workers receive pay.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to 17, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, furloughing 800,000 federal employees and costing the economy an estimated $24 billion. This event highlighted ongoing partisan tensions and has influenced current Senate debates on federal worker compensation, underscoring the lasting impact of shutdowns on government operations and employee morale.

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Story summary

The Senate is on its 23rd day of a government shutdown, debating pay.
The Shutdown Fairness Act, sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), would pay workers who must work without pay, including military personnel and air traffic controllers.
The bill was blocked 54-45, with Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) voting in favor, while Democrats proposed their own legislation to ensure all federal workers receive pay.

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