Ex-Trump Official Rips GOP for Failing Shutdown Fight Urgently

UPDATE: Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has launched a scathing critique of Senate Republicans following the failed attempt to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025, which would have guaranteed pay for military and federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. The bill, introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), fell short of the necessary 60 votes to advance, with a final tally of 54-45.

Spicer’s remarks, made on his podcast on October 20, 2023, have garnered significant attention. “Senate Republicans should be embarrassed by how bad they’re messaging this,” he stated, highlighting their lack of visibility during this critical moment. “They should have been out on the steps last night with military members and Border Patrol,” he added, emphasizing the need for a united front.

The Shutdown Fairness Act aimed to ensure continued pay for “excepted” federal employees, including active-duty troops, TSA agents, park rangers, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol officers. Spicer accused GOP leaders of failing to defend their position forcefully, declaring their response “literally the lamest response” he had ever witnessed. “The idea that they voted and bolted is an embarrassment to the Republican Party,” he concluded.

In response, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dismissed the bill as a “ruse,” arguing it would grant undue authority to Trump’s former budget director, Russell Vought. “We will not give Donald Trump a license to play politics with people’s livelihoods,” Schumer asserted, underscoring the stakes involved for federal employees affected by the shutdown.

The failure of the Shutdown Fairness Act raises urgent questions about the Republican Party’s strategy and messaging as the government shutdown continues to impact millions of federal workers. With critical support for military and federal employees in jeopardy, the urgency for decisive action is clear.

As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Senate Republicans to see how they respond to the backlash and what measures they will take to regain public trust. The ongoing shutdown serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved for those whose livelihoods depend on swift legislative action.

Stay tuned as more updates unfold on this pressing issue.