Senate Stalemate Leaves Federal Workers Unpaid Amid Shutdown | JQJO

On the eve of missed paychecks for over a million workers, the Senate failed to advance dueling plans to pay federal employees during a 23‑day shutdown, the longest full shutdown. A GOP bill to pay “essential” staff fell short of 60 votes, while Republicans blocked a Democratic plan to pay all workers and curb further OMB layoffs after court‑stayed firings. With air traffic controllers unpaid and flight delays warned, parties sparred over “Shutdown Fairness” bills as Senate Republicans pushed a stopgap and Democrats demanded health‑subsidy extensions. The Senate has voted 12 times; the House hasn’t held votes in weeks.