Thread by @SenatorSlotkin

This #GovernmentShutdown impacts real people, with real stories, and real lives. Yesterday I had the opportunity to join a group of federal workers, many of them veterans, along with @RepAndyLevin & @RepDebDingell, to hear their stories. I wanted to share some with all of you:

We heard from many @TSA employees who detailed their struggles to make ends meet: Jennifer said a coworker was deciding between the cost of transportation to work & her insulin. Wanavia, a veteran, said she took her children to a foodbank to supplement grocery costs.

Youssef, who works for @CBP is on furlough. He talked about border agents dipping into their savings, unable to close on a home; he discussed his own double bind in applying for unemployment to make his mortgage payment, while still technically a federal worker.

Angel, an IRS employee on furlough, discussed her worry that people depending on tax returns may not receive them. For her, so much as a missed student loan payment could affect her ability to keep her job, but she can't turn off automated payment, as the web staff is on furlough

The common thread in all their stories was an extreme sense of mission. As a former federal employee for 14 years, it’s upsetting that such a political battle in Washington is affecting a community that swore an oath to serve their country before any political party.

To all the workers who joined us: thank you. Your personal stories make a difference. To all federal workers suffering during this time: you have my commitment that there is a group of passionate people in Washington working hard on both sides of the aisle to resolve this.