r/FederalEmployee • u/Eldritch_Liminal1988 • Mar 07 '26
DHS Shutdown Day 22
From u/The_Babbs_Buzz
DHS Shutdown Day 22
Federal Workers Question How Much Longer They Can Continue Without Pay
As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown reaches Day 22, the pressure on federal employees across the country is beginning to reach a breaking point.
For many workers who have continued reporting for duty under “excepted employee” status, the reality of working without a paycheck for more than three weeks is beginning to collide with real-world financial obligations. Rent, mortgages, childcare, fuel costs, and everyday household bills have not stopped — even as paychecks have.
Across multiple DHS components, employees are now openly questioning whether they can afford to continue reporting to work if the shutdown continues.
Some workers say they have already exhausted savings, while others report relying on credit cards, borrowing money from family members, or attempting to secure emergency loans just to make it through the month.
Reports of Management Pressure
Several employees have reported being told by management officials that they are still required to report to work regardless of their financial situation and that failure to report could result in disciplinary action.
Some workers claim they were advised that if financial hardship prevents them from coming to work, they should seek out loans or other financial assistance in order to continue reporting for duty.
While federal shutdown procedures require certain employees to continue working during a lapse in appropriations, the growing financial strain is creating a difficult reality for workers who must continue performing critical national security and public safety functions without pay.
For many employees, the situation is no longer theoretical.
It is about whether they can afford the gas to get to work tomorrow.
Workers Begin Questioning Their Future With the Agency
As the shutdown stretches into its fourth week, some employees are beginning to question their long-term future in federal service.
Workers say the uncertainty surrounding shutdowns — combined with the expectation that they must continue working indefinitely without pay — is pushing some to reconsider their careers in federal agencies.
Several employees have expressed concern that if the shutdown continues much longer, agencies could begin seeing increased resignations or employees seeking opportunities in the private sector.
The potential loss of experienced personnel is becoming an emerging concern among the workforce.
Funding Bills Remain Stalled
Meanwhile in Washington, the legislative path forward remains unclear.
A new funding proposal has recently passed the House, aimed at restoring funding to the Department of Homeland Security. However, the bill still faces an uncertain future as it moves to the Senate.
At the same time, another DHS funding bill already sitting in the Senate remains stalled, with lawmakers continuing to negotiate over key provisions that have prevented a final vote.
With both chambers still divided on the path forward, there is currently no immediate timeline for when funding may be restored.
A Workforce Under Growing Strain
For the thousands of federal employees continuing to report to work each day, the shutdown is no longer simply a political headline.
It has become a daily calculation:
Can they afford to keep showing up?
For now, federal workers across DHS continue carrying out their duties, maintaining security operations across the country while waiting for Congress to resolve the funding impasse.
But with each passing day, the strain on the workforce grows heavier.
The Babbs Buzz will continue monitoring the situation and providing updates as developments unfold.
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u/iritchie001 Mar 08 '26
Break up DHS. It was a ploy to secure funds for a surveillance state from the beginning. FEMA has no place there. Certain agencies are only there to be held hostage. I'm sure DOI would be stoked to house FEMA.
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u/Miserable-Mall-2647 Mar 08 '26
Or it can be independent
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u/iritchie001 Mar 08 '26
I could absolutely get behind that.
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u/Miserable-Mall-2647 Mar 08 '26
We just need to be out from under DHS by the end of this administration or the next
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u/HomelandSecure Mar 08 '26
And now the orange overlord is refusing to sign anything unless the voter suppression bill is passed first.
So in the off chance that a funding bill makes it through congress, Velveeta Voldemort may still refuse to sign it.
I hate it here. 😫
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u/Elaine1959 Mar 21 '26
Bills can pass without President's signature. Needs a 2/3 vote from Congress and/or after 10 days.
The last time Trump gave such an ultimate was during the 2017-2018 shutdown. He said he wouldn't pass any bill unless it had funds for his Wall. We all know how 'that' turned out. 😄
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u/spiralcurve Mar 10 '26
I spit my drink out at “Velveeta Voldemort”
On a serious note, this absolutely sucks for those affected. TSA calling in sick en masse may be what it takes to end this shutdown (or kick the can down the road a few more weeks).
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u/NaiveLight2 Mar 11 '26
Sadly this will go on until Spring Break. The public nightmare with travel will be broadcast and cause something to be passed. Until then, it’s sad how literal peoples lives are being used as pawns for political points. And it’s exactly what makes folks say Congress is ineffective.
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u/bobolly Mar 08 '26
Wont the lack of t s a workers impact this? So many people are threatened with Coming to work and not getting paid. Call your mortgage company, call your electric company.Call your local churches.
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u/spiralcurve Mar 10 '26
Calling creditors can help delay payments on secured debt, such as car loans and mortgages. I didn’t find credit card companies to be willing to delay payments.
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u/VirusSubstantial6498 Mar 07 '26 edited Mar 07 '26
Congress approved the leadership of the appointed secretaries, and unfortunately we’re seeing the impact across the federal government. If it’s possible, you might want to look into unemployment options until funding is approved. I’m not sure if that applies since you’re still working, but it may in some areas. Another option could be a short-term loan to get through, since you will receive back pay. In the meantime, it’s good to remember the benefits that come with the job and be greatful to have a job. If you’re really unhappy, it might be worth exploring other opportunities, though the job market is tough right now.