Longest shutdown in US history deepens financial hardship for employees
Unpaid workers line up at food banks as crisis drags on
The longest government shutdown in US history has intensified the financial struggles of thousands of federal employees, many of whom have gone without pay for weeks and are finding it increasingly difficult to meet their basic household needs, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
According to the report, with paychecks halted amid the ongoing political stalemate, affected workers say they are unable to cover rent, utilities, and daily expenses.
In major cities across the country, large numbers of unpaid employees have been seen gathering outside food banks and community centres to receive free meals and groceries.
Charitable organisations report a surge in demand for assistance, saying that even families who once donated to food drives are now seeking help themselves.
Volunteers in Washington, New York, and other cities described the scenes as “heartbreaking,” with federal workers lining up for hours for essential supplies.
The shutdown, now the longest in US history, has not only disrupted government services but also placed enormous pressure on families living paycheck to paycheck.
Economists warn that if the impasse continues, its effects could ripple across the broader US economy, delaying payments, slowing growth, and undermining public confidence.