Key Takeaways
- Democrats Block Military Pay: Senate Democrats voted down the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would have ensured pay for active-duty troops and essential federal employees during the government shutdown.
- Republicans Push to Protect Workers: The bill, led by Sen. Ron Johnson, sought to fund critical roles like Border Patrol, TSA, park rangers, and law enforcement — but failed after Democrats labeled it a “ruse.”
- Politics Over People: Despite bipartisan support from a few Democrats, party leadership prioritized political leverage over supporting the workers who keep America safe and functioning.
Senate Democrats once again chose politics over patriotism on Thursday, blocking a Republican-led bill that would have paid America’s military and essential federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown.
The Shutdown Fairness Act, sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), failed 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance. Only three Democrats — Sens. Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock, and John Fetterman — broke with their party to support the measure.
The bill would have ensured pay for active-duty service members, air traffic controllers, Border Patrol agents, park rangers, federal law enforcement officers, and other essential workers who continue to report for duty despite the Democrat-driven shutdown. “We’re talking about the people who are literally keeping the country running while Washington plays politics,” Johnson said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) noted that even U.S. Capitol Police worked through the night to keep Congress functioning. “These are the people Democrats just voted against paying,” Thune said.
Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the bill as a “ruse,” claiming it would allow President Trump too much discretion over which agencies remain open. Johnson fired back, saying Democrats were misrepresenting the bill and that federal law already defines which employees are essential.
The vote underscores Democrats’ willingness to use hardworking Americans as pawns in their political games. Instead of ensuring pay for those who protect and serve, Democrats chose to extend the pain of the shutdown — proving, once again, that power comes before patriotism in their playbook.