Shutdown Standoff: Alabama Senators Fight for Essential Workers' Pay

Alabama Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are pushing to ensure essential government employees get paid during the current federal government shutdown.

Dems Block GOP Bill

However, a Republican-backed bill called the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, which aimed to pay active-duty military and other essential federal workers, was blocked by Senate Democrats on Thursday. The bill fell short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, with a final vote of 54-45. Both Tuberville and Britt voted in favor of the measure.

Tuberville's Fiery Reaction

Senator Tuberville didn't mince words after the vote, stating, "Democrats hate our troops, police and ICE officers, air traffic controllers, and their own staff."

Obamacare Subsidy Clash

Republicans have been critical of Democrats' push to expand Obamacare subsidies, arguing that some of that funding could end up covering healthcare costs for individuals who have entered the country illegally.

Britt Highlights Real-World Impact

Senator Britt recently expressed her frustration with the "needless politics" causing the shutdown. "We have people that are really paying the price," she told ABC News. She shared stories from her recent travels across Alabama, where she spoke with furloughed workers and small business owners struggling to cope with the uncertainty. She emphasized the need for Democrats to "open the government" so people can receive their paychecks and vital programs like WIC and food stamps can continue. "There are real issues that are coming to play because of the politics that Democrats are playing," she stated.