Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Senate failed Friday to pass a critical bill that would have ensured essential workers and military personnel get paid during the ongoing government shutdown, now entering its second month under growing national frustration.
The “Shutdown Fairness Act,” championed by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), would have allowed paychecks to continue for federal employees, contractors, and active-duty service members still working through the shutdown. But the measure fell short in a 53–43 vote, missing the 60-vote threshold required to move forward.
Under current law, even “essential” workers — including air traffic controllers, TSA agents, and federal law enforcement officers — must work without pay until the government reopens. Johnson’s proposal sought to change that immediately.
Three Democrats crossed party lines to back the measure: Ben Ray Luján (NM), Jon Ossoff (GA), and Raphael Warnock (GA). Four senators — including John Fetterman (D-PA) and Republicans John Cornyn (TX), Jerry Moran (KS), and Tommy Tuberville (AL) — did not vote.
Democrats Block Republican Pay Plan
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) blasted Democrats for rejecting a Republican-backed solution to protect essential workers. Instead, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) pushed his own plan to reopen the government by temporarily extending Obamacare subsidies, a move Republicans called a “nonstarter.”
Schumer’s proposal would reopen the government and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits for one year — an effort Republicans say is nothing more than a political stunt to save a failing health-care law.
“All Republicans have to do is say yes,” Schumer claimed on the Senate floor.
But Thune quickly shut it down:
“Democrats are feeling the heat,” he said. “We’re not negotiating health care while the government’s closed. That’s what we’ll do once it reopens.”
Airports In Chaos as Shutdown Deepens
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Fox News that air traffic reductions could soon hit 20% at major airports nationwide if the shutdown continues.
Staffing shortages at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are worsening by the day, forcing flight cancellations and delays at airports in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta.
“We’ll make decisions based on what’s safest for the airspace,” Duffy said.
The White House has shifted the blame squarely on Democrats, accusing them of blocking paychecks for federal workers while families face holiday travel chaos. With Thanksgiving approaching, stranded passengers and military families are voicing growing anger.
Senators Trade Blows Over Who’s to Blame
On X (formerly Twitter), Sen. Ron Johnson called out Democrats:
“Democrats need to ask themselves if they’re willing to let planes fall out of the sky before they vote to pay air traffic controllers. Or they can simply vote to reopen the government.”
Schumer responded:
“Reopen the government, extend ACA tax credits for one year, and begin bipartisan talks on affordability. The ball is in Republicans’ court.”
For now, neither side is budging. Thune plans to keep senators in Washington through the weekend as moderate Democrats discuss a compromise.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is demanding immediate action:
“Do not leave Washington until you get it done,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “The American people deserve better than this Democrat-made shutdown.”
✅ Why This Story Matters
- Federal employees and U.S. troops could miss another paycheck.
- Flight safety and national security risks are growing daily.
- Democrats continue blocking funding to keep workers paid.
- President Trump vows to end the shutdown “for the people, not the politicians.”