Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked a Republican bill to pay federal employees working without compensation during the 23-day government shutdown, arguing it would give President Trump broad discretion over who gets paid. The measure fell 54–45, short of the 60 votes needed, though Democrats John Fetterman, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock backed it. Republicans said Democrats were catering to their progressive base and sought to shift blame for the shutdown’s pain. Senate Republicans then blocked two Democratic unanimous-consent proposals to pay both essential and furloughed workers, one also barring additional layoffs.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.