Senate Stalemate: Federal Workers' Pay Continues to Hang in the Balance

The U.S. Senate on Friday failed to pass legislation that would resume salaries for hundreds of thousands of federal employees affected by the longest shutdown in the nation's history. The vote was 53 in favor and 43 against, falling short of the 60 votes needed to advance in the Republican-controlled chamber.

Key Democratic Senators, alongside labor unions, have opposed the bill, arguing it could increase discretion for President Donald Trump, who selectively authorized pay to military and immigration personnel while withholding it from others. The shutdown, initiated on October 1, has severely impacted regular Americans.

Amid the stalemate, Democrats demand funding for healthcare subsidies, while Republicans push for a straightforward funding bill to reopen government operations. Efforts from both parties to propose compromises continue, yet none seem poised to gather the requisite 60 votes to pass in the Senate.