Senate Democrats recently rejected another proposal by Republicans aimed at ensuring federal workers and military personnel receive their paychecks as the government shutdown continues. The political showdown shows no signs of abating as tensions rise on Capitol Hill.

The Shutdown Fairness Act

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, attempted to push forward a revised version of his “Shutdown Fairness Act.” His bill is designed to guarantee that federal employees and the military continue to be paid during the ongoing government shutdowns. However, the proposal failed to pass, with a vote tally of 53-43, despite support from three Democratic senators: Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff from Georgia, and Ben Ray Luján from New Mexico.

Previous Concerns Over Furloughed Workers

Last month, the same bill was blocked due to concerns from Senate Democrats regarding the exclusion of furloughed workers. This time, Johnson noted that he had consulted with Senate Democrats and amended the legislation to include furloughed employees, also highlighting support from various federal employee unions.

In his remarks on the Senate floor, Johnson expressed frustration on behalf of federal workers, stating, “They are sick and tired of being used as pawns in this political dysfunction here. They’re tired of it.”

Party-Line Blockade and Political Tensions

Despite the changes, the bill faced staunch opposition among Democrats. Heated exchanges on the Senate floor ensued, particularly between Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich. The main point of contention for Democrats was concerns that the bill would give President Donald Trump the authority to selectively decide who would receive payments, leading to the bill’s ultimate rejection along party lines.

Thune criticized the Democrats, questioning their motives, stating, “It’s about leverage, isn’t it? Isn’t that what y’all have been saying? It’s about leverage. This isn’t leverage. This is the lives of the American people.”

Republicans’ Strategy Shifts Amid Filibuster

Johnson’s proposal was not part of the initial strategy that Senate Republicans had aimed to implement. Senator Thune had initially intended to bring the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) up for another vote. However, a recent show of Democratic unity, particularly following their success in the recent elections, has hindered bipartisan efforts to find common ground.

The push by Republicans to secure payments for federal workers comes as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and his caucus unveiled their alternative proposal to Republicans to resolve the budgetary impasse.

Democratic Counteroffer: Obamacare Subsidies Extension

Schumer’s offer aimed at breaking the stalemate involved attaching a one-year extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies—the primary point of contention in the ongoing shutdown negotiations—in exchange for Democratic votes to reopen the government. However, the proposal, reportedly communicated to Senate Republicans privately last week, was swiftly dismissed by GOP leaders.

The Road Ahead

As the Senate prepares to reconvene on Saturday to vote on the House-passed plan for the 15th time, it remains unclear if Schumer and his caucus will once again block it. This ongoing stalemate reflects the broader struggles within Congress to resolve budgetary disputes while simultaneously addressing the immediate needs of federal workers and military personnel caught in the political crossfire.