Well, folks, here we are again. As we sit through yet another shutdown – now in its 23rd day – Senate Democrats have managed to do what they do best: block a bill that would have actually benefited the hardworking men and women who keep our country running. Yes, you guessed it – they blocked a Republican-led attempt to get essential government workers paid during the shutdown. And for what? Because the bill wasn’t “selective” enough? Please.
This bill, introduced by Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), wasn’t just about putting a Band-Aid on the current crisis. It was about ensuring federal employees and military personnel wouldn’t have to face financial hardship during future shutdowns, too. But the Democrats, with their trademark flair for political games, voted it down in a 54-45 vote. You need 60 votes to avoid a filibuster, and surprise, surprise, they couldn’t be bothered to help those actually working to keep the country safe.
Only three Democrats – Senators John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, Raphael Warnock, and Jon Ossoff of Georgia – had the decency to stand with Republicans on this one. The rest? They opted to side with their party's obstructionist agenda, leaving essential workers high and dry.
To add insult to injury, the bill was a long-term solution, aiming to provide pay for “excepted employees” like our brave troops, air traffic controllers, and law enforcement officers when the government inevitably shuts down again. But no, that was apparently too much for the Democrats to stomach. Johnson, ever the optimist, called it “a permanent fix.” But Democrats, ever the political saboteurs, had other ideas.
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) didn’t mince words: "It means Democrats don't care." That’s right, while essential workers continue to clock in, risking their livelihoods, the Democrats are playing games with our nation's well-being.
As for the Democrats’ reasons? They say the bill was “selective” and “incomplete.” Well, imagine that – prioritizing the pay of people who keep us safe and keep the government running. How radical!
Republicans in the House were ready to act, but with Democrats constantly rejecting short-term funding extensions, it’s clear who’s holding up progress. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was honest about the situation, saying that if Senate Democrats opposed the Johnson-Young bill, it would be “absolutely clear” they were using our military, air traffic controllers, and law enforcement as pawns in their ongoing political theater.
While some Democrats like Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) were at least open to paying military personnel, they couldn’t get behind a broader solution. So, let’s be clear: the Democrats are against paying essential workers unless it’s exactly how they want it. How noble.
But the final kicker? Democrats in the House also didn’t support the bill, claiming it was a "political ploy" to give Trump discretion over which employees get paid. That’s right, they don’t care about the workers, they care about scoring political points. Typical.
As the shutdown drags on, it’s becoming more apparent that Democrats would rather see essential workers go unpaid than compromise. But don’t worry, folks – we’ll keep fighting for those who truly deserve our support. Let’s not forget: the end is near. And when it comes, we’ll make sure it’s with the right people getting the paycheck they deserve.
