Senate Democrats blocked a proposal by Republicans on Friday to pay federal employees who are working throughout the duration of the government shutdown.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) attempted to get unanimous consent to pass his legislation to pay excepted federal workers and military members as long as the impasse drags on.
Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) objected.
“I’m concerned that Sen. Johnson’s bill still leaves too much discretion up to President Trump,” Peters explained during his objection.
“There’s too much wiggle room for the administration to basically pick and choose which federal employees are paid and when,” he added.
Johnson cried foul, noting he altered his bill “dramatically” in recent weeks in order to seek the support of Peters and other Democrats. He also noted scores of unions are backing the proposal.
The action also set off Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who was animated on the floor after the objection and lambasted Democrats for the move.
“This is a straightforward approach that addresses that issue,” Thune said, his voice rising. “And everybody in this chamber who isn’t getting paid — I can’t believe people come down here and look these people in the eye when he’s saying right here we will pay them, not only for today but for tomorrow and the entire year, and we won’t allow them to be held hostage and be pawns in a political game in the future.”
Peters has been a part of bipartisan negotiations, though those seemed to fall apart Thursday.
