2:52Sen. Ron Johnson addresses the press on Capitol Hill on October 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Senate on Thursday did not succeed in moving forward with Sen. Ron Johnson’s proposed legislation that aimed to furnish compensation to some federal personnel during the lapse in funding.
The “Shutdown Fairness Act,” presented by Johnson, was defeated with a tally of 55-45. Sixty votes were required for it to progress.
Democratic Senators John Fetterman, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock joined all Republicans in voting to advance the bill. Every other Democrat voted against it, effectively preventing its advancement.
Although the bill wouldn’t have concluded the shutdown, it would have enabled some federal employees to receive their salaries.
Sen. Ron Johnson speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill on October 6, 2025 in Washington, DC.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Johnson’s legislation would have offered funds to compensate the armed forces and “excepted employees” from federal bodies affected by the shutdown. That encompasses staff members deemed by the Office of Personnel Management to be engaging in critical work, or for contractors who offer backing to those staff members.
Democrats hesitated to provide support due to worries that Johnson’s proposal bestows excessive authority upon the administration and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to determine which employees would receive pay and which would not.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen proposed an alternative bill to Johnson’s that would remunerate all federal personnel. Johnson obstructed that proposition, along with another parallel option from Democrats. Democrats sought to pass both of these pieces of legislation via unanimous consent, so Johnson’s single objection was sufficient to impede them.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks during a news conference, October 14, 2025, in Washington, DC.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Johnson observed that the propositions offered by Democrats are “95%” alike. Nonetheless, he stated that the Democrat proposal is distinct as it only lasts through this fiscal year, incorporates furloughed employees, and places limitations on reductions in force.
The reduction in force matter posed a hurdle for Johnson, although he conveyed his willingness to negotiate on it.
“I do not believe we should curtail the chief executive’s capacity to effectively administer the federal government and make the difficult decision at times to downsize the workforce,” Johnson stated. “That is something we can discuss.”
Johnson stated that he blocked the bills partially due to his desire for Democrats to permit discussion on his legislative effort so a solution may actually be attained. The optimal method to strive toward a resolution for federal employees, Johnson stated, was to commence debate on a bill as opposed to attempting to pass one unanimously, as the Democrats did.
Federal employees, he asserted, are in need of that.
“To ensure they receive their paycheck, so they are not compelled to work for Door Dash, so they do not need to visit food banks, so they are not subject to that stress – I am requesting in earnest, let us determine how to accomplish that,” Johnson expressed.
The vote on the bill transpired as federal personnel are slated to forfeit their initial complete paycheck on Friday.
The legislation situated Democrats in a noteworthy position, as Republicans endeavor to characterize votes opposing this bill as votes against compensating federal workers.
The Capitol is seen at nightfall on day 22 of a government shutdown in Washington, Oct. 22, 2025.J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Van Hollen assailed Johnson’s bill, asserting it would “essentially turn the government shutdown into a weapon to permit President Trump to decide who works and gets compensated and who does not work and does not get compensated.”
“Our conviction is that no federal employee, nobody should shoulder the burden or be penalized for a shutdown they are not involved with in any way. Therefore, our viewpoint is that we desire to ensure everyone is compensated at the end of the day.”
When questioned as to why he would not, consequently, endorse the straightforward bill that Republicans have proposed 11 times, Van Hollen indicated it is crucial to both pay Americans and safeguard health care.
“Certainly, we aspire to open the government. That is the most effective approach to tackle this matter. We must also address these other significant issues,” Van Hollen stated.
No vote is anticipated for Thursday regarding the straightforward short-term funding bill. With senators departing town for the weekend, the shutdown will persist into Monday.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
