White House slams Jeffries' dismissal of bill to pay troops as government shutdown enters day 22

"[Rep. Jeffries], making sure U.S. troops get paid while Democrats keep the government shut down for free healthcare for illegal aliens - that's called putting America First. But you wouldn't know about it," the White House wrote on X in reference to Jeffries' criticism of the Shutdown Fairness Act.

The legislation was introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and states that its goal is to "appropriate funds for pay and allowances of excepted Federal employees for periods of work performed during a lapse in appropriations, and for other purposes."

Jeffries echoed one of Democrats' concerns about the legislation, which is that it does not help furloughed employees.

"So, it's not legislation that I support because it appears to be more like a political ploy to pick and choose - giving Donald Trump discretion - which employees should be compensated and which employees should not be compensated. All employees should be compensated, and that will happen when we reopen the government."

While Democrats objected and said the president overstepped, Trump cited his Article II powers as commander in chief in issuing the order, which covers active-duty troops and reservists on service orders.

Fox News Digital reached out to Jeffries' office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.