Congress Struggles with Federal Funding and Employee Compensation Amid Shutdown
Nov, 7 2025
The current situation underscores the tension between military spending and domestic programs, raising questions about the prioritization of resources. Critics argue that excessive military expenditures detract from vital services that support vulnerable populations.
In a recent vote, Senate Democrats blocked a bipartisan bill known as the Shutdown Fairness Act, which aimed to provide pay to active-duty troops and federal employees, including Capitol Police officers, during the ongoing shutdown. The vote concluded with 53 in favor and 43 against, failing to meet the 60 votes required to advance the legislation. This marks the second instance where a majority of Senate Democrats have opposed efforts to ensure compensation for federal workers affected by the funding lapse.
Senators Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Jon Ossoff, and Raphael Warnock of Georgia were the only Democrats to support the bill, while Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania did not participate in the vote. Since the shutdown began, all federal employees have missed at least one full paycheck, leading to financial distress among those who continue to work without pay.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, a Republican from Wyoming, emphasized the implications of a 'no' vote, equating it to denying pay for essential workers, including air traffic controllers and military personnel. Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized the Democrats for prolonging the shutdown, highlighting the financial hardships faced by federal employees.
Democrats have articulated their opposition to the bill, citing its failure to cover all federal workers. However, they have not moved to reopen the government, which would ensure that all federal employees receive compensation. Some progressive Democrats have expressed a commitment to maintaining the shutdown, arguing that it reflects a mandate from voters following recent electoral victories. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut warned that ending the funding lapse without concessions could alienate the party's base ahead of the 2026 elections.
Republicans have dismissed a Democratic proposal to extend Obamacare subsidies in exchange for ending the shutdown, insisting that they will not negotiate on healthcare policy until the government is funded. President Donald Trump has urged the Senate to remain in session to negotiate a resolution, suggesting that Republicans consider invoking the nuclear option to bypass the legislative filibuster if necessary. However, Thune indicated that Republicans currently lack the votes to eliminate this procedural rule.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest union representing federal employees, endorsed the Shutdown Fairness Act, describing it as "long overdue" and emphasizing the detrimental impact of missed paychecks on federal workers and their families. AFGE has called for Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution to end the government shutdown, asserting that political negotiations should resume only after federal employees are compensated.
All excepted and furloughed federal employees are entitled to retroactive pay once a shutdown concludes, as mandated by a 2019 law. However, the White House has recently questioned this guarantee, suggesting that the law does not automatically ensure back pay for furloughed employees, prompting pushback from lawmakers, legal experts, and unions who argue this interpretation is flawed.
Earlier in the week, there appeared to be some bipartisan movement toward resolving the government shutdown, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer proposing a new offer to reopen the government, although it was reportedly dismissed by Republicans as a "nonstarter." The Senate is expected to remain in session over the weekend for the first time since the shutdown began, while the House has not convened since September.