Senate Fails to Pay Federal Workers Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Sat Oct 25 2025 19:35:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the government shutdown stretches on, the Senate rejected two bills aimed at providing pay for federal workers, leaving many employees worried about their upcoming paychecks and essential services at risk.

On day 23 of the ongoing government shutdown, the Senate has rejected both Republican and Democratic proposals to pay federal workers, escalating the impasse between the two parties. As both sides blame each other, countless employees are set to miss their full paychecks soon. The Democrats are pushing for negotiations on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans refuse to negotiate until the government reopens. With essential services dwindling, air traffic controllers are already sidelined, leaving the public in uncertainty about service disruptions.

As the government shutdown stretches to day 23, the Senate has turned down two partisan attempts to ensure federal workers get paid. With employees facing their first missed paychecks, both parties have taken turns pointing fingers.

The Democratic proposal sought to provide pay for all federal workers, while the Republicans suggested compensation only for those still working during the shutdown. Battles over the bills showed no sign of resolution, with Republicans like Sen. Ron Johnson arguing that their bill aimed to prevent future harm to federal employees.

However, many Democrats claimed the bills were unfair and would give too much power to government officials to decide who gets paid. The stalemate continues as essential services face funding shortages, pushing air traffic controllers and other vital workers into financial difficulties.

With deadlines like the November 1 open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act looming, the situation remains tense as both parties hold firm on their positions, leaving many Americans in a precarious state.