GOP Cooks Up New Plan To Pay Workers
Democrats face growing pressure as GOP plan ensures workers get paid — without handcuffing President Trump.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) is taking the lead in the Senate with a bold plan to pay all federal workers — both essential and furloughed — while keeping the government shutdown from hurting American families. His proposal comes as Democrats continue to stall and play politics instead of helping hardworking Americans get their paychecks.
Johnson, a respected conservative voice known for protecting taxpayers, told The Hill that Republican leadership and the White House are backing the effort. The plan will be reviewed at the GOP’s weekly policy luncheon on Tuesday.
“Are they going to take ‘yes’ for an answer?” Johnson asked, slamming Democrats for rejecting earlier bipartisan efforts. “Pay them up front — they’re going to get paid anyway.”
Johnson’s Plan: Pay Workers, Protect Trump’s Authority
Under Johnson’s new proposal, federal workers would receive pay now, even during the shutdown, instead of waiting for back pay later. Importantly, the bill does not restrict President Trump’s authority to manage or restructure the federal workforce — something conservatives see as crucial for keeping Washington accountable.
“There’s no way President Trump would sign a bill that limits his authority,” Johnson said, adding that courts are already reviewing cases related to the President’s power to remove underperforming employees.
Democrats Blocked a Fair Bill — and Now Face Backlash
Last week, Democrats blocked Johnson’s Shutdown Fairness Act, which would have ensured pay for essential workers like military members and air traffic controllers. The vote failed 54–45, even though three Democrats — John Fetterman (PA), Jon Ossoff (GA), and Raphael Warnock (GA) — broke with their party to support it.
Now, Johnson is extending an olive branch by offering to include furloughed employees — a major concession. He’s urging Democrats to stop delaying relief for American families.
“Van Hollen says we shouldn’t punish workers for our dysfunction,” Johnson said. “Then vote for the bill.”
Union Pressure Mounts on Democrats
Even the largest federal workers’ union — representing over 820,000 employees — is calling on Congress to act. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, demanded lawmakers end the shutdown and guarantee pay for all workers.
Federal employees last saw partial paychecks in mid-October, with frustration growing as the stalemate drags on. Meanwhile, Johnson’s plan offers a simple, commonsense fix: pay workers now, without growing government or weakening the presidency.
A Conservative Solution That Works
Sen. Johnson’s proposal represents what many Americans want — strong leadership, fairness, and accountability. His plan protects federal workers, respects President Trump’s constitutional powers, and stops Washington from using people’s livelihoods as political leverage.
If Democrats continue to resist, they risk being seen as the ones blocking paychecks to innocent Americans — while Republicans are the ones actually fighting to keep workers paid.
