(WASHINGTON) — The Senate is set to vote on a bill aimed at providing pay to certain federal employees as the government shutdown enters its 23rd day. The proposed legislation, known as the "Shutdown Fairness Act," was introduced by Republican Senator Ron Johnson. While the bill does not end the shutdown, it would allow for the payment of troops and designated "excepted employees" who are working during the shutdown. This includes those identified by the Office of Personnel Management as performing emergency work, as well as contractors supporting these employees.

Senator Johnson has urged his colleagues to support the bill, criticizing Democrats for their repeated failures to advance funding measures. He stated, "If Democrats vote for a 12th time to keep the government shut down, they should at least vote to pay those who are still working. It’s common sense and common courtesy — there’s no excuse to oppose the Shutdown Fairness Act."

The bill requires 60 votes to pass, and its fate remains uncertain. The vote comes as federal workers are set to miss their first full paycheck on Friday. This situation places Democrats in a challenging position, as Republicans may frame opposition to the bill as a refusal to pay federal workers.

In response, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen has proposed an alternative bill that seeks to pay all federal employees. He expressed concerns about the broad discretion the bill gives to the White House and the Office of Management and Budget in determining who qualifies as essential. Van Hollen stated, "Ron Johnson’s bill would essentially weaponize the government shutdown to allow President Trump to decide who works and gets paid and who doesn’t work and doesn’t get paid. Our belief is that no federal employee should bear the burden of a shutdown they have nothing to do with."

Despite some Democrats expressing support for paying federal employees, they have reservations about the proposed legislation. Van Hollen emphasized the need to address broader issues, including health care, alongside the funding of the government. He indicated that he would likely seek unanimous consent for his counterproposal, although it is expected to face opposition.

Republican Senator Rick Scott has voiced his support for Johnson’s bill, suggesting that Democrats should focus on reopening the government to ensure all federal employees are paid. He remarked, "You know how to make sure everybody gets paid? Vote for the CR."

If Johnson’s bill passes, the House would need to reconvene from recess to consider it. No vote is anticipated on a clean short-term funding bill on Thursday. As senators prepare to leave for the weekend, the shutdown is expected to continue into Monday, marking one of the longest shutdowns in U.S. history.