US Senate blocks measure to pay federal workers

As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its fourth week, federal employees are facing mounting financial uncertainty, with many set to miss their first full paycheck at the end of this week. The shutdown has left approximately 700,000 federal workers furloughed, while a significant number of essential employees continue working without pay, performing critical roles in national security, public safety, air traffic control, aviation safety, and law enforcement. Among those required to continue their duties without pay are over three million active-duty military personnel, around 750,000 National Guard and Reserve members, nearly 11,000 air traffic controllers operating the nation’s airspace system under mandatory overtime, over 2,350 aviation engineers and inspectors whose furloughs have halted safety functions, and more than 1,300 federal employees at San Francisco International Airport, including staff from the FAA, Customs and Border Protection, DEA, Coast Guard, FBI, and federal air marshals. These workers are continuing to provide essential services while waiting for Congress to authorize back pay.

On October 23, 2025, the Senate considered several measures to compensate federal workers, but all were blocked along partisan lines. A Republican-led proposal sponsored by Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin sought to pay only “excepted” employees who were required to work during the shutdown. This measure was defeated with a 54-45 vote, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance, though three Democratic senators, John Fetterman, Raphael Warnock, and Jon Ossoff - joined Republicans in support. Democratic proposals aiming to provide pay for all federal employees, including those furloughed, were blocked by Republicans citing budget concerns. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke on the floor regarding the stalemate, stating, “We cannot stand by while millions of federal workers go without pay. They are serving this country, yet the Republican majority refuses to ensure they are compensated for their work and sacrifices during this shutdown.” He further told the press, “Tomorrow, federal workers will miss a full paycheck because of the Democrat shutdown.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune criticized Democrats for opposing the Republican bill, highlighting the partisan tensions that continue to impede resolution.

The situation is further complicated by the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (GEFTA), signed into law by President Trump on January 16, 2019. GEFTA mandates that federal employees who are furloughed or required to work without pay during a government shutdown receive retroactive pay once the government reopens. It also allows excepted employees to use paid leave and ensures standard compensation for leave taken during a shutdown. However, the Trump administration has recently questioned the automatic application of this law, with the Office of Management and Budget issuing a memo asserting that while GEFTA authorizes back pay, it does not appropriate the necessary funds. According to this interpretation, Congress must include payments in separate legislation, sparking controversy as Democrats and federal unions contend that withholding back pay would violate the law.

The ongoing shutdown has left federal employees in a precarious financial position and raised concerns about the broader economic impact. With no immediate resolution in sight, the impasse affects not only the livelihoods of furloughed and essential employees but also the delivery of public services across the country. As the first missed paychecks approach, pressure is mounting on both parties in Congress to reach an agreement and restore funding, ensuring that the millions of Americans serving their country are compensated for their work.