A recent Republican initiative aimed at paying federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown faced a setback in the Senate. Despite this, some lawmakers remain hopeful for a bipartisan approach to ensure that federal workers receive their paychecks soon.
Bipartisan Discussions on Federal Pay
The GOP’s proposal, dubbed the “Shutdown Fairness Act,” was largely rejected during a Senate vote with outcomes totaling 54-45. The bill sought to provide immediate compensation to excepted employees who continue to work amid the funding gap. However, the measure failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to limit debate and expedite a final decision.
Three Democrats—Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), and Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.)—did support the bill, while Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) abstained from voting.
Opposition to the Shutdown Fairness Act
Democratic lawmakers criticized the Republican measure, arguing it could grant President Trump excessive authority over federal employee compensation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer referred to the legislation as a “ruse,” expressing concerns that it could prolong the shutdown.
- Schumer stated: “We will not give Donald Trump a license to play politics with people’s livelihoods.”
In response to the GOP proposal, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) put forward two alternative bills aimed at protecting federal workers. However, both proposals were turned down by Republican lawmakers. Their measures included:
- “True Shutdown Fairness Act”: Immediate pay for both furloughed and excepted employees, military personnel, and federal contractors.
- “Military and Federal Employee Protection Act”: Focused on paying furloughed and excepted employees retroactively from the shutdown’s onset.
Concerns Over Reduction in Forces
Senator Van Hollen raised alarms over the absence of protections against potential reductions in force (RIFs) during the shutdown. He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the employment status of federal workers and the potential fallout from the current political situation.
Despite the challenges, Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), a co-sponsor of the GOP measure, expressed optimism regarding a possible bipartisan agreement. He noted, “We’re basically in agreement here” and indicated willingness to discuss the inclusion of furloughed workers in compensation efforts.
Impact on Federal Employees
Federal workers are bracing for the possibility of missing their paychecks as the shutdown extends. Both excepted and furloughed employees typically receive retroactive pay once normal government operations resume, as stipulated by a 2019 law. However, there are concerns regarding the current administration’s interpretation of this guarantee, particularly for furloughed workers.
Active-duty military personnel received their paychecks on October 15, while approximately 70,000 Department of Homeland Security law enforcement officers received timely payments, though many others did not.
Dave Spero, head of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, emphasized that the focus should be on resolving the shutdown itself rather than on piecemeal measures. He stated, “Clearly, we want people to get paid, but quite honestly, what we want is the shutdown to end.”
As negotiations continue, both parties have the opportunity to come together and find a solution to protect federal employees during this difficult period.
