Democrats Block Senate Bill to Pay Some Workers During Shutdown

Jeffries Says Shutdown Talks With GOP Leaders Have Been Limited

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By Erik Wasson

October 23, 2025 at 5:17 PM UTC

Updated on

October 23, 2025 at 5:41 PM UTC

Senate Democrats blocked a Republican measure aimed at paying military troops and some federal workers during the US government shutdown in the latest sign the spending deadlock shows no sign of ending.

The vote on Thursday to advance the bill failed on a 54 to 45 vote, with 60 votes needed.