In brief
As the historic federal government shutdown comes to an end, federal workers reflect on the toll it took on their lives. Many had to make sacrifices just to make ends meet, including skipping meals and relying on credit cards. Despite the relief of upcoming paychecks, the feeling of betrayal over how political negotiations unfolded remains palpable among many workers.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jessica Sweet, a Social Security claims specialist, recounted the sacrifices made during the recent federal government shutdown, limiting herself to just one coffee a day and deferring household bills. The six-week ordeal left her and hundreds of thousands of other federal employees feeling like they were political pawns in a battle between lawmakers. “It shakes the foundation of trust,” Sweet said, expressing frustration over the negotiations that cut health care subsidies. The shutdown, which began on October 1, affected at least 670,000 federal employees, forcing many to work without pay. As the new bipartisan deal brings an end to the shutdown, federal employees like Adam Pelletier express relief but frustration that their livelihoods were used as leverage in political games. Although many are eager to return to work, the emotional scars and financial stress from the shutdown linger, leaving them questioning the political motives behind their struggles.
