Ex-Trump Official Rips GOP for Losing Shutdown Fight, Urges Action

UPDATE: Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer has launched a scathing critique of Senate Republicans following a failed attempt to pass the Shutdown Fairness Act of 2025. The bill, which aimed to ensure pay for military and federal workers, was blocked by Democrats, leaving many workers in limbo during the ongoing government shutdown.

In a podcast episode released on October 20, 2023, Spicer did not hold back, stating, “Senate Republicans should be embarrassed by how bad they’re messaging this.” He expressed frustration over their lack of visible support for military personnel and federal workers, saying, “They should have been out on the steps last night with military members and Border Patrol.” The bill, introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), fell short with a final vote of 54-45, failing to meet the required 60 votes for advancement.

The Shutdown Fairness Act was designed to ensure continued pay for “excepted” federal employees, including active-duty troops, TSA agents, park rangers, air traffic controllers, and Border Patrol officers. Spicer criticized the GOP’s response to the situation as “literally the lamest response” he had ever seen, adding, “The idea that they voted and bolted is an embarrassment to the Republican Party.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) dismissed the bill as a “ruse,” arguing that it would grant 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 declared.

The failure to pass this legislation underscores the increasing tensions within Congress as the government shutdown continues to impact countless federal employees and military families. With no immediate resolution in sight, the urgency for bipartisan cooperation grows.

As this story develops, attention will focus on how Republicans will respond to Spicer’s remarks and whether they can regroup to address the ongoing shutdown crisis effectively. The implications of this situation extend beyond politics, affecting the lives and financial security of workers across the nation.

Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent matter as it unfolds.