US federal workers have described their state of uncertainty, with many now on unpaid leave due to a government shutdown and one remarking that their salary was being 'held hostage'.
Workers deemed to be essential may still be on duty or at their desks, but they too may not be paid while the shutdown lasts.
A government shutdown is a familiar situation in the US, and can happen whenever Congress fails to vote through an annual budget. This one began on Wednesday, and this deadlock is characterised by partisan disputes over federal spending and Democratic demands to extend healthcare tax credits.
What makes this shutdown different is the fact that President Donald Trump hopes to use the opportunity to make permanent cuts to government staffing and spending.
BBC News has been speaking to federal workers about their views and how the shutdown has affected them.
Although most of the comments below are anonymous, we have verified that the speakers are federal workers. US government staff are generally forbidden from speaking to the media, and we have protected the speakers' identities because they could face disciplinary action if they are named.
One federal worker said: The last shutdown was brutal...It forced me to withdraw money from my retirement plan just to cover my bills. Now, they've made it more difficult to withdraw from our retirement accounts, so if this goes as long as the last shutdown, I don't know how I'm going to pay my bills. Another worker expressed, Despite working without timely pay, I support the shutdown, highlighting the need for checks and balances in governance.
Employees from various departments shared their conflicts, with one indicating support for the shutdown if it brings productive outcomes, while another highlighted the stress of working without guaranteed pay despite ongoing government disputes.
A worker at the Department of the Treasury expressed frustration towards the political deadlock: I strongly implore Democrats to stand firm and not cave to the continued assault on healthcare and affordability for everyday Americans.
