Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters Tuesday that there would be “strong” support within the Senate Republican Conference for a proposal offered to Democrats by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.

The Fairness Act has rolled back old rules that reduced benefits for certain public workers and their spouses.

The GOP-backed bill would pay federal employees who are working during the government shutdown, with Republicans continuing to put pressure on Democrats to reopen the government.

The Senate failed to approve a measure on Thursday that would pay active military and federal workers in essential jobs as the government shutdown continues.

Senate Democrats may be open to supporting a Republican proposal to pay all federal workers — essential and furloughed employees alike — during the government shutdown, but they say they need more

After many federal employees missed paychecks, AFGE called for a “clean” continuing resolution. The financial issues are compounded by other recent changes too.