In brief
With the US government shutdown stemming from a budget impasse, federal workers are voicing their anxiety and frustration as many find themselves on unpaid leave or working without pay. Some support the shutdown's political implications, while others express dismay at being unable to meet their financial obligations. Employees from various federal agencies reflect on their predicaments, indicating the human cost of political disputes.
US federal workers have described their state of uncertainty, with many now on unpaid leave due to a government shutdown and one remarking that their salary was being held hostage.
Workers deemed to be essential may still be on duty or at their desks, but they too may not be paid while the shutdown lasts.
A government shutdown is a familiar situation in the US, happening whenever Congress fails to pass an annual budget. This current shutdown began on Wednesday, characterized by partisan disputes over federal spending and Democratic demands to extend healthcare tax credits.
What makes this shutdown different is that President Donald Trump aims to capitalize on the situation to implement permanent cuts to government staffing and spending.
BBC News has been speaking to federal workers about their experiences and how the shutdown has impacted them.
Although many comments are anonymous, they have been verified to ensure the speakers' identities are protected due to potential disciplinary action for discussing the matter publicly.
'I'm rather conflicted'
The last shutdown was brutal, said one federal worker, highlighting that the impasse in 2018-19 lasted over a month.
This worker explained, It forced me to withdraw money from my retirement plan just to cover my bills. Now, they've made it more difficult to withdraw from our retirement accounts, so if this goes on as long as the last shutdown, I don't know how I'll pay my bills.
He added, I voted for Trump, but I did not vote for his abuses against us. However, another worker at the Department of Homeland Security voiced a different perspective, stating, Despite working without timely pay, I support the shutdown.
This sentiment is showcased as various federal employees grapple with their conflicting feelings about the shutdown. As Randall from Kansas City put it, I don't like my pay being held hostage while the government fights over separate issues. The turmoil reflects a broader issue of congressional gridlock, and the uncertainty hangs heavy over millions of federal employees.
An anonymous Air Force worker stated that without resolution, they would face severe financial difficulties. I must still show up to work but won't get paid, because if I don't it's considered AWOL, they shared.
A Treasury Department employee urged Democrats to remain steadfast against the government's spending plans, asserting, No amount of threats to my job will change my views on this matter.
