On November 7, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted against a bill that would have reinstated paychecks for hundreds of thousands of federal employees amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The legislation garnered 53 votes in favor and 43 against, falling short of the 60 votes required for passage in the Republican-controlled chamber. Most Democrats opposed the bill, expressing concerns that it would grant excessive discretion to Republican President Donald Trump, who has chosen to continue pay for military personnel and immigration officers while threatening to withhold compensation from other federal workers.

Three Democratic senators—Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff from Georgia, and Ben Ray Lujan from New Mexico—voted in favor of the bill. Labor unions representing federal employees have urged lawmakers to approve measures to alleviate the financial strain caused by the shutdown, which began on October 1. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, stated that each missed paycheck exacerbates the financial difficulties faced by federal workers and their families.

Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan criticized the bill for providing too much authority to Trump regarding the withholding of pay. The ongoing stalemate between Democrats and Republicans shows no signs of resolution. Democrats insist that any funding bill must also include provisions for healthcare subsidies affecting 24 million Americans, which are set to expire at the end of the year. Conversely, Republicans maintain that Congress must prioritize passing a funding bill to reopen the government.

The shutdown has resulted in the furlough of approximately 750,000 federal employees, with many others required to work without pay, disrupting food assistance and subsidies for millions, including children. Major U.S. airports are preparing for potential operational challenges due to unpaid air-traffic controllers.

Some Senate Republicans have proposed a temporary reopening of federal agencies alongside full-year funding for certain programs. In response, Democrats have suggested a plan that would extend healthcare subsidies for an additional year and establish a bipartisan committee to investigate long-term health reforms. However, it remains uncertain whether either proposal will secure the necessary 60 votes in the Senate.

Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana remarked on the likelihood of a prolonged shutdown, questioning the path to resolution. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut criticized Republican leadership for failing to engage in negotiations to resolve the impasse.