By: Richard L. Smith
The federal government entered its sixth day of shutdown Sunday, and thousands of New Jersey workers are bracing for missed paychecks and uncertain futures as the political standoff in Washington drags on.
According to information from NPR, shutdowns place federal workers at the center of the storm, forcing many either to stay home without pay or continue working without knowing when wages will resume.
In New Jersey, roughly 22,000 federal employees are directly affected, with furloughed workers eligible to apply for unemployment benefits through the state Department of Labor.
At Newark Liberty International Airport, TSA agents continue screening passengers without pay, and while many state National Park service sites remain open, future closures could follow if Congress fails to act.
Families relying on programs such as WIC also face uncertainty, with advocates warning that federal funding could soon run out.
The shutdown stems from a clash between Republicans and Democrats over spending and policy priorities.
The White House has increased pressure by warning that layoffs may follow if no agreement is reached under Republican conditions. Democrats argue the GOP has manufactured the crisis, while Republicans insist the standoff is necessary to rein in costs.
For now, New Jersey residents are left to navigate the ripple effect, federal workers worried about bills, airports trying to function without paid staff, and families anxious about the stability of programs they rely on.
As one New Jersey lawmaker said this week, “The longer Washington plays politics, the deeper the impact on working families here at home.”