Overview
- The Shutdown Fairness Act, sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson, fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance in a 54–45 tally.
- The bill sought to guarantee pay for active-duty troops and other excepted personnel, including air traffic controllers, TSA agents, park rangers, ICE and Border Patrol officers.
- Sean Spicer said Senate Republicans squandered the moment after the vote, calling their response the lamest he has seen and urging a more visible push.
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the proposal a ruse and warned it would grant budget director Russell Vought excessive power over agency operations.
- GOP leaders, including Sen. John Barrasso, argued Democrats chose politics over paying essential workers during the ongoing shutdown.