Congress debates federal worker pay amid ongoing government shutdown

The US Senate is preparing to vote on the Shutdown Fairness Act to pay federal workers and military members working during the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 23rd day. Despite efforts, the Senate has repeatedly failed to pass a funding bill to end the shutdown, with recent votes falling short of the required 60 votes. Senator Jeff Merkley delivered a historic 22-hour speech protesting the administration's policies amid the shutdown.