DC area residents looking for end to government shutdown

WASHINGTON - Most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and federal workers are no exception.

With the government shutdown in full effect for many federal workers, their paycheck on Friday could be the last until lawmakers come to an agreement.

The federal workforce may already feel the pinch amid this latest partial government shutdown. Non-essential federal workers are on furlough or staying at home, preparing to make Friday's paycheck stretch, and there is no telling when they will receive their next check.

Jamaal Weatherspoon is a former federal contractor who transitioned to the private sector two years ago. His concern is echoed on social media where posts from federal workers, their families and friends are dominating feeds -- expressing concern about the future.

"There's tens of thousands of people, not even just in the D.C. area, it's nationwide. And I think there are a lot of decisions at a federal level that are generally made without those people in mind, and I think that's more concerning to me than the immediate effects of missing a check," said Weatherspoon.

Some residents of the greater D.C. area say it's time for the powers that be roll up their sleeves and reach a deal.

"It's just a matter of getting back to work and serving the American people. A lot of my friends are lifelong civil servants. They've built careers serving the American public, and right now, they're not able to do that because they're at home," said Joshua Farrar, an Arlington resident.

Federal government workers have received backpay when past shutdowns ended.