In a recent Senate session, Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a Republican, opposed a proposal from Democrat Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, which aimed to secure immediate Senate approval for a bill ensuring payment to all federal employees, military personnel, and federal contractors during the anticipated 2025 government shutdown.

Known as the True Shutdown Fairness Act, this legislation seeks to block the Trump administration from executing large-scale layoffs of federal employees during the shutdown, a process commonly referred to as reductions in force.

Van Hollen’s appeal occurred just before a scheduled Senate vote on Johnson’s bill, which specifically focuses on compensating active-duty military and other federal workers required to continue their duties amidst the shutdown.

Addressing the Senate, Van Hollen emphasized that reopening the federal government would be the optimal way to support federal workers. He criticized House Republicans for being “AWOL” and extended their recess during the shutdown period.

“Federal employees shouldn’t suffer for issues beyond their control. They aren’t to blame; they’re caught in the crossfire,” he asserted.

In response, Johnson highlighted that Van Hollen’s proposed legislation shared significant similarities with his own Shutdown Fairness Act.

He suggested Van Hollen support the procedural motion to allow the Senate to proceed to his own bill, so it could be debated and amended and perhaps even passed on the Senate floor.

Johnson said simply approving Van Hollen’s bill by unanimous consent without review and debate would not be the right approach.

“Passing it by unanimous consent is not the way to get it done,” he said.