AT A GLANCE
- Senate rejects both Republican and Democratic bills to pay federal workers during the ongoing shutdown.
- More than 800,000 employees are about to miss their first full paycheck.
- Democrats demand negotiations on extending Affordable Care Act subsidies before reopening the government.
- Essential services like air travel, food aid, and preschool programs are nearing crisis levels.
Senate Gridlock Leaves Federal Workers Unpaid
On day 23 of the government shutdown, the Senate rejected competing proposals from both parties to pay federal workers, leaving thousands facing empty paychecks and growing uncertainty.
Democrats attempted a voice vote on their measure to pay all federal workers and prevent President Donald Trump’s administration from firing furloughed employees. Republicans objected, then put forward their own bill from Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) to pay “excepted” employees—those still required to work during shutdowns. That measure failed 54–45 after Democrats voted it down.
“It seems like everyone in this chamber agrees we should pay federal workers,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.). “But because of the shutdown, they are paying a price.”
Parties Dig In Over ACA Subsidies
The impasse continues as Democrats insist on negotiating over the extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies before reopening the government. Republicans refuse, demanding the government reopen first.
“Republicans have been perfectly clear that we’re willing to have a discussion about health care, just not while government funding is being held hostage,” said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
Trump, largely disengaged from the fight, is reportedly preparing for a trip to Asia, further frustrating negotiators.
Shutdown Fallout Deepens Across Federal Services
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the crisis is spreading across essential services. Air traffic controllers, who will miss their first full paycheck Tuesday, are “making choices between paying mortgages and putting food on the table,” he said.
“I cannot guarantee you your flight is going to be on time. I cannot guarantee your flight is not going to be cancelled,” Duffy admitted.
Meanwhile, states are warning that funding for programs like Head Start, food assistance, and heating aid could soon run dry if the stalemate continues.
ACA Enrollment Deadline Looms
The next major pressure point arrives Nov. 1, when open enrollment begins for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Democrats want to extend pandemic-era subsidies before then, warning that delaying talks could complicate the process for millions of Americans.
While some Republicans are open to discussing the extensions, deep divisions—and election-year politics—make any compromise unlikely in the near term.
