Approximately 800,000 federal workers missed out on their second straight paycheck Friday as the longest partial government shutdown in American history stretched into its 35th day.
After receiving slightly reduced paychecks late in December, the employees — as well as some government contractors — are either working without pay or are on furlough amid the partisan fight over funding for President Trump’s proposed border wall.
{mosads}Although those who have had to work will get backpay, losing two paychecks has caused significant financial stress for government employees.
Many have turned to food banks and restaurants helping out by offering free meals or special offers.
Federal employees filing for unemployment insurance spiked 143 percent in the week ending Jan. 12. The 420,000 employees who are working without pay are not eligible to apply for unemployment insurance.
Stories of federal workers having to make painful financial decisions, such as choosing to pay rent or continue chemotherapy, have been making headlines nationwide.
Some workers have picked up second jobs, such as driving for Uber, to make ends meet.
Federal workers protested in the Hart Senate Office Building on Wednesday for 33 minutes, one for each day of the shutdown at that point.
Two measures to end the shutdown failed on the Senate floor Thursday: a clean continuing resolution and a bill that included Trump’s demanded wall funds.