Thread by @SeanCasten

Thank you to all for attending today. Your stories were heartbreaking. We must reopen the government. I want to share a few #shutdownstories here /1

https://twitter.com/RobinLynneKelly/status/1086334010966429697

First, we all owe a huge thanks to federal employees. They are not getting paid, often still working - but were at pains to emphasize the costs borne by others who depend on them. You are heroes, and deserve better. /2

A furloughed EPA employee was dispatched to assist with the CA Campfire clean up days before the shutdown. Was then sent home, but can’t get reimbursed for his out of pocket travel costs. #shutdownstories /3

A furloughed CFTC employee notes that December was an expensive month given Xmas. She’s now explaining to her 9 year old why his upcoming birthday may not have any gifts. #shutdownstories /4

An employee at the Bureau of Prisons told of people being forced to work double shifts without pay: “morale is bleak” #shutdownstories /5

He goes on “I have a 51 mile commute to work. I have to decide soon whether to quit my job and save gas money to feed my kids” #shutdownstories /6

Furloughed HUD employee: “Don’t forget mental health. The people who aren’t getting their housing reimbursement are really stressed right now” #shutdownstories /7

Furloughed USDA employee: “Non government charities are really stressed right now”. Describes seeing 3 hour wait at local food pantries. #shutdownstories /8

She goes on “I never I thought I’d be forced to apply for benefits from the food assistance programs I’m supposed to be running” #shutdownstories /9

Furloughed EPA employee notes that the long term effects are irreversible. If water sources are contaminated now, no one is watching. #shutdownstories /10

Airline safety employee says a colleague can’t pay for daycare. He was advised to take out a loan, says “our country is asking us to take out a loan to provide airline safety.” #shutdownstories /11

Veteran who’s being forced to work without pay says “I gave a part of my body for my country. All I ask in exchange is you pay me for the work I’m doing.” #shutdownstories /12

Furloughed USDA employee: “I have performance standards in my job. If I don’t perform I can lose my job. Why don’t we have performance standards for legislators who won’t reopen government?” #shutdownstories /13

All heartbreaking. We are better than this. Let the Senate vote, @senatemajldr. Federal workers are all doing their job. All they ask is that you do yours. /fin