Lawmakers Weigh Plan to Pay Troops, Active Federal Workers as Shutdown Wears On

The Senate could hold a vote on the bill, dubbed the ‘Shutdown Fairness Act,’ as the closure stretches into its fourth week.

The U.S. Capitol building during the government shutdown in Washington on Oct. 20, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—As the federal government shutdown reaches its fourth week, lawmakers are preparing a vote on a bill to pay troops and some other federal employees who have continued to work through the shutdown.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) introduced the bill, dubbed the Shutdown Fairness Act, last week amid the ongoing government funding standoff. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and other lawmakers have joined him in introducing it.