UPDATE: Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has launched a scathing critique of Senate Republicans following their failure to advance the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, which aimed to secure pay for military and federal workers amid the ongoing government shutdown. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), was blocked on Friday, with a final vote of 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes needed to pass.
Spicer expressed his outrage on his podcast, stating, “Senate Republicans should be embarrassed by how bad they’re messaging this.” He insisted that Republicans missed a critical opportunity to rally support, saying they should have been visibly present with military members and Border Patrol agents to advocate for the bill.
The Shutdown Fairness Act was designed to ensure continued compensation for “excepted” federal employees, including active-duty troops, TSA agents, park rangers, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol officers. The political fallout from this failure could have serious implications for the Republican Party’s image and strategy moving forward.
Spicer did not hold back, labeling the response from Senate Republicans as “literally the lamest response” he had ever witnessed. “The idea that they voted and bolted is an embarrassment to the Republican Party,” he added, emphasizing the need for a stronger stance.
In contrast, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dismissed the bill, calling it a “ruse” intended to grant undue authority to former Trump budget director Russell Vought. He stated, “We will not give Donald Trump a license to play politics with people’s livelihoods,” highlighting the contentious nature of the negotiations.
As the shutdown continues, the stakes are high for both parties. With military families and federal workers facing uncertainty about their paychecks, the public’s demand for accountability and action grows. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Senate Republicans to see if they can recover from this setback and present a unified front.
The political landscape is shifting rapidly, and the failure to pass this critical legislation could have lasting repercussions for the GOP as they approach future elections. What will be their next move? Stay tuned for updates on this urgent issue.
