Photo of Emily Studer in Unsplash
The U.S. Senate failed to pass a measure that would have allowed federal employees to be paid during the government shutdown, which has now lasted several weeks and left hundreds of thousands of workers without pay.
The proposal, sponsored by Republican Ron Johnson, sought to ensure that so-called "essential" employees—those who must continue working despite the suspension of activities—would receive their regular paychecks. However, the initiative fell short of the necessary votes to advance due to opposition from the Democratic bloc.
Political clash in the Senate
Republicans argued that the bill offered an immediate solution for those who continue to work without pay, while Democrats considered the measure unfair because it excluded furloughed employees.
"The government can't decide who deserves to be paid and who doesn't," said a spokesman for Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
Johnson, in turn, defended his proposal, asserting that "this is not about politics, but about fairness for the workers who keep the country running even during the lockdown."
Thousands of workers without wages
The government shutdown affects more than 700,000 federal employees, many of whom continue to work without pay, while others remain at home without income. The effects are already being felt in essential services such as air traffic control, public safety, and social programs.
As the paralysis drags on, pressure is growing from unions and associations demanding an immediate end. "Uncertainty is destroying the stability of thousands of families," warned the National Federation of Federal Employees.
Although a bipartisan proposal is expected to emerge in the coming days, the political climate remains stale. For now, the government remains partially shut down, and federal workers are still waiting for the most basic thing: their paychecks.
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