Senate bills to pay air traffic controllers during shutdown fail

(FOX40.COM) —A bill in the Senate that would have paid air traffic controllers, who have been working unpaid during the government shutdown, failed.

Video Above: Politicians rally with TSA workers over government shutdown The Shutdown Fairness Act, led by Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin, was introduced to establish pay for federal employees who are required to work amid the shutdown. The vote was 55-45, with the bill needing 60 votes to pass.

Those who were against the bill argued that it gave the White House too much authority over which federal workers do or don't get paid. The Democrats' alternative solution was the True Shutdown Fairness Act, which also did not receive enough votes to pass.

Sponsored by Senator Van Hollen from Maryland, the True Shutdown Fairness Act would not on