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Federal Workers Are Sharing Their Stories Of Struggle As The Governement Shutdown Continues Into Its Third Week

Federal Workers Are Sharing Their Stories Of Struggle As The Governement Shutdown Continues Into Its Third Week
US Park Service workers fence off the closed Lincoln Monument in Washington, DC, October 1, 2013 , as the first US Federal government shutdown since 1995 begins. The Lincoln Memorial and many other non-essential government run institutions are on a shut-down list. The National Mall and all monuments and large sections of the government closed due to government shut down after Congress failed to agree on spending. AFP PHOTO / Paul J. RICHARDS (Photo credit should read PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

It's taking a toll.

As the shutdown over President Donald Trump's border wall edges closer to its fourth week with few signs of progress, federal workers are beginning to feel the toll.

It's becoming more and more likely that the 800,000 furloughed workers won't get a paycheck for this month. While past shutdowns have led workers to put aside funds in the instance of an extended furlough, those funds are depleting rapidly. Those living paycheck to paycheck with little savings are having to resort to other means of work all together.


According to the Wall Street Journal, one market analyst has resorted to driving Uber. Julie Burr, another federal worker, created a GoFundMe to pay necessary expenses.

Though both houses of congress previously passed bipartisan resolutions to keep the government open, they were quickly snuffed by the President. Members of the House of Representatives continue to pass funding resolutions, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has said the Senate will only consider solutions that the President will sign—solutions that allocate $5 billion for a border wall.

As Trump remains steadfast, federal workers are venting their frustration.

The economic hardships imposed by the shutdown are rampant.

The lack of pay has presented an insurmountable obstacle for federal workers.

Federal institutions have taken a hit as well.

People are getting injured and some have even died in national parks that went unsupervised in the shutdown's wake.

It's unclear if the stories of struggle and heartbreak will factor in to whatever Trump decides to do.

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