URGENT UPDATE: Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has sharply criticized Senate Republicans for their failure to secure military and federal worker pay during the ongoing government shutdown. The criticism comes after Democrats blocked the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), which fell short of the necessary 60 votes to advance, receiving only 54-45 support in the Senate.
Spicer, who served as Trump’s first press secretary, expressed his dismay on his podcast Friday, stating that Senate Republicans should be “embarrassed” by their lack of effective messaging during this critical time. “They should have been out on the steps last night with military members and Border Patrol,” he emphasized, highlighting the urgency of the situation for federal employees and active-duty troops.
The Shutdown Fairness Act aimed to ensure pay for essential federal employees, including TSA agents, park rangers, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol officers. Spicer condemned the Republicans’ approach, calling it “literally the lamest response” he had ever seen, and criticized their decision to “vote and bolt” as a significant embarrassment for the Republican Party.
In response, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dismissed the Republicans’ bill, labeling it a “ruse” designed to give undue authority to Trump’s budget director, Russell Vought. “We will not give Donald Trump a license to play politics with people’s livelihoods,” Schumer asserted, underlining the political stakes involved.
This unfolding situation is critical, as the government shutdown continues to impact thousands of federal employees and military personnel. The urgency of immediate pay for those affected cannot be overstated, and Spicer’s remarks may signal a growing frustration within GOP circles over their handling of the shutdown negotiations.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on Senate Republicans to see how they respond to this internal criticism and what steps they will take to address the ongoing financial uncertainty facing federal workers. The implications of their actions will be significant, as the shutdown stretches on, affecting not only those directly involved but also the broader economy.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves.
