On October 23, 2025, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led bill aimed at ensuring “excepted” federal workers receive paychecks during the ongoing government shutdown. The measure failed with a vote of 54-45, leaving over two million federal employees facing potential financial hardship.
Story Highlights
- Senate Democrats blocked a Republican bill to pay “excepted” federal workers on day 23 of the shutdown.
- Democratic senators provided varied responses when questioned about their own congressional paychecks during the crisis.
- Over two million federal employees are facing missed paychecks while members of Congress continue to receive their salaries.
- Republicans contend that Democrats are prioritizing political maneuvering over the livelihoods of essential workers.
Republicans argued that the bill would provide basic fairness to essential workers who are required to report to their jobs without guaranteed compensation during the political stalemate. Senator Ron Johnson led these efforts, stating, “I’ve been twisting arms, but we’ll see” regarding the future of the legislation. The Republican proposal specifically targeted employees designated as “excepted” by the Office of Personnel Management, including law enforcement officers and air traffic controllers, who must continue working during shutdowns.
WOW, the so-called Workers Party keeps paying workers. You wonder why I am not a democrat, Democrats blocking federal paychecks during shutdown splinter when asked if they’re cashing their own https://t.co/JVztGcS9zx
— Larry Stevens (@AARealtyBoise) October 24, 2025
Democrats opposed the Republican bill, citing concerns that it would grant President Trump excessive discretion over which federal employees receive paychecks. Senator Chris Van Hollen argued against selective payment, stating, “We want that protection” for all federal workers, indicating a concern about expanding executive branch authority over federal workforce compensation during budget disputes.
The shutdown is a result of disagreements over Medicaid cuts and Affordable Care Act subsidies in President Trump’s proposed budget. Democrats have consistently blocked stopgap funding bills while demanding policy concessions, while Republicans insist on reopening the government before negotiations. This constitutional standoff highlights how partisan politics can influence practical governance, affecting federal employees.
When questioned about their own compensation during the shutdown, some Democratic senators provided evasive answers or did not commit to forgoing their congressional salaries. The Twenty-seventh Amendment prevents immediate changes to congressional compensation, but members have the option to donate or refuse their paychecks during crises.
Federal employees are now set to miss their first full paycheck as the shutdown enters its fourth week. Many essential workers are facing mounting bills, mortgage payments, and family expenses while working without guaranteed compensation.
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Johnson slams Democrats for keeping paychecks from military families during shutdown
Sources:
Senate rejects bills to pay federal workers during government shutdown
Senate fails to advance GOP bill to pay essential federal workers during shutdown
