Senate Vote on Shutdown Fairness Act for Essential Workers Falls Short Again
The Senate is scheduled to vote on a measure to pay federal employees who are working during the shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has proposed the Shutdown Fairness Act, which would provide compensation to essential workers. The bill, sponsored by GOP Sen. Ron Johnson, aims to ensure that workers who are required to work during the shutdown receive their pay. Sen. Jeff Merkley recently delivered a lengthy speech on the Senate floor, criticizing President Trump's policies and actions. Despite efforts to advance the continuing resolution to end the shutdown, the Senate vote fell short of the required 60 votes for the 12th time.