Senate Rejects Bill to Pay Troops, Active Federal Workers During Shutdown

Congressional Democrats had raised objections to the bill not paying ‘nonessential’ federal employees who do not work during government funding lapses.

The U.S. Capitol building during the government shutdown on Oct. 23, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—A bill to pay U.S. troops and active federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown failed to garner the support it needed to advance in an Oct. 23 vote.

The Republican-led legislation, titled the “Shutdown Fairness Act,” failed on a cloture vote of 54–45, coming short of the 60 votes needed to advance.