Story perspectives

Government Shutdown Strains Federal Workers and Military Families

10/26/2025

Center

Lawmakers Urge Action

The ongoing government shutdown has left federal employees overseas unpaid and without housing allowances as it reaches its fourth week.
In the United States, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and military families face strain as visa restrictions limit income and food assistance programs are used.
Military families face prescription shortages that force co-pays for medications.
Lawmakers express concern and urge bipartisan action to resolve the funding lapse.

Left

Workers Await Benefits

The federal government shutdown, now more than four weeks old, has delayed unemployment benefits for furloughed workers, including a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employee whose claim is pending up to three months.
Initial claims for federal unemployment benefits have surged to their highest level since the 2019 shutdown, as states struggle to verify federal employment amid furloughs.
Contractors lacking back pay face difficulties.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting 16 days, resulted from a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act, furloughing 800,000 federal employees and costing the economy an estimated $24 billion. This event echoes the ongoing shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, highlighting the persistent challenges in U.S. budget negotiations and the need for reforms to protect federal workers from future disruptions.

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Lawmakers Urge Action

The ongoing government shutdown has left federal employees overseas unpaid and without housing allowances as it reaches its fourth week.
In the United States, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and military families face strain as visa restrictions limit income and food assistance programs are used.
Military families face prescription shortages that force co-pays for medications.
Lawmakers express concern and urge bipartisan action to resolve the funding lapse.

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