GOP Pressures Democrats with Vote to Fund Troops and Essential Workers

Bassyonni

ago 6 hours

GOP Pressures Democrats with Vote to Fund Troops and Essential Workers

Senate Republicans are pushing a new initiative aimed at pressuring Democrats amid the ongoing government funding stalemate. This strategy involves a vote focused on ensuring paychecks for essential workers, but it faces strong opposition from Democrats, complicating the resolution of the shutdown.

Senate Vote on Essential Workers Pay

On Thursday, the Senate will vote on a bill requiring pay for essential workers during the government shutdown. This includes military personnel, border patrol agents, and employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The measure aims to gain leverage over Democrats as day 23 of the shutdown approaches.

A significant concern arises because if approved, this bill could leave furloughed workers without immediate compensation. Democrats argue that any legislation should cover all federal employees, not just a select group deemed essential.

Democratic Response and Concerns

Senator Tim Kaine criticized the bill, claiming it gives the president undue power to decide who qualifies as essential.
Senator Bernie Sanders reiterated the Democratic stance that all federal workers deserve pay.
Senator Andy Kim expressed deep concerns, emphasizing the need for equal treatment of all federal employees.

Democrats are expected to propose a countermeasure to ensure that furloughed employees also receive compensation during the shutdown. However, uncertainties remain about the likelihood of this bill receiving a vote.

Republican Arguments

GOP leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have dismissed the push to pay all federal workers. Senator Markwayne Mullin questioned why Democrats do not endorse the Republican measure if they support all workers being paid. In contrast, Senator Tommy Tuberville warned that paying workers during the shutdown could lessen the urgency for lawmakers to resolve the standoff.

Controversy Among Senators

Senator Ron Johnson reported a lack of dialogue with Democrats about the Republican bill he co-authored with Senator Todd Young. He suggested that if Democrats oppose the bill, they may face repercussions from voters in the future.

As of now, it remains unclear whether either party will achieve the necessary 60 votes to advance their respective measures. With the government shutdown now one of the longest in history, both sides are under increasing pressure to find a resolution.