Federal workers face financial strain and layoffs during the shutdown

"With every passing day of the government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay face mounting financial strain. And now they are confronting new uncertainty with the Trump administration's promised layoffs. Little progress has been made to end the shutdown as it enters its third week, with Republicans and Democrats digging in and convinced their messaging is resonating with voters. The fate of the federal workers is among several pressure points that could eventually push the sides to agree to resolve the stalemate."

""Luckily, I was able to pay rent this month," said Peter Farruggia, a furloughed federal worker. "But for sure I am going to have bills that are going to go unpaid this month, and I really don't have many options." The shutdown has a familiar feel for many federal employees who endured past stalemates - including during President Donald Trump's first term - but this time, the stakes are higher. The Republican White House is leveraging federal workers' jobs to pressure Democrats to soften their demands."

A government shutdown that began Oct. 1 has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay, creating mounting financial strain and uncertainty. The administration has promised layoffs, increasing pressure on affected workers and agencies. Little progress has been made to end the shutdown as it enters its third week, with Republican and Democratic leaders entrenched and framing their positions for voters. Federal workers represent a key pressure point that could influence negotiations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experienced a wave of furloughs affecting about 8,000 employees, and many workers report limited financial options.

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