Federal Workers Go Unpaid, Adding Pressure to End Government Shutdown

The ongoing government shutdown in the United States has resulted in over a quarter million federal employees missing their scheduled paychecks this week. The shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, has left many government agencies and services without funding, leading to the furlough or unpaid status of a significant number of federal workers. The lack of pay for these employees has added significant financial pressure and uncertainty, putting a strain on their personal finances and households. This situation is expected to continue until a resolution is reached between the Trump administration and Congress regarding the budget and the president's demand for funding to build a border wall. The extended shutdown has raised concerns about the impact on the broader economy, as reduced government spending and consumer spending could potentially slow economic growth. Efforts to end the impasse and reopen the government are ongoing, but a timeline for a resolution remains unclear.