The Senate on Thursday failed to advance legislation from Sen. Ron Johnson that would have provided pay to certain federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown, as Democrats pushed for broader measures to pay all workers and reopen the government.

The Shutdown Fairness Act, introduced by the Wisconsin Republican, fell short of the 60 votes needed to advance in a 55-45 procedural vote.

Johnson’s bill would have authorized pay for members of the military and “excepted” federal employees deemed essential during the shutdown.

Democrats said the proposal would give the administration too much discretion over who receives paychecks, allowing President Donald Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to “pick winners and losers” among federal workers.

Sen. Chr

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