URGENT: Senate Blocks Lifeline for Federal Workers, Crisis Looms

Breaking News: Senate Blocks Lifeline for Federal Workers, Crisis Looms The US Senate has failed to advance two competing measures to pay at least some federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, leaving over a million workers on the brink of missing their paychecks. The shutdown is set to enter its 23rd day on Tuesday. Federal workers deemed essential, including troops, TSA agents, and federal law enforcement, are currently working without pay. A Republican-backed bill aimed to provide them with a paycheck, but it was rejected by the Senate. The Democratic alternative, which would have paid all federal employees and blocked mass layoffs by the Office of Management and Budget, also failed to pass. The move has sparked concerns about the impact on federal workers and the economy. The Senate's inaction comes as the government shutdown enters its third week, with no end in sight. The shutdown has already forced the closure of national parks, museums, and other federal facilities, and has left many workers struggling to make ends meet. This is a developing story. The Senate is expected to reconvene on Tuesday to continue negotiations on a bill to end the shutdown.