For nearly a month, over 820,000 federal workers have been caught in the crossfire of a political standoff in Washington. Many have missed paychecks, some are relying on food banks, and still others are being forced to work without pay—all because Congress can’t agree on a budget.

This week, the largest union of federal and D.C. government employees, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), made its stance crystal clear:

End the shutdown now. Pass a clean continuing resolution. Stop the games.

We’re standing with them.

Federal workers are the backbone of this country. They process our Social Security benefits, run our air traffic control systems, staff our VA hospitals, protect our borders, and support countless services we rely on every day. These are veterans, caregivers, scientists, clerks, and public safety officers. They should never be used as bargaining chips.

AFGE isn’t taking sides—they’re demanding basic respect and stability. Their message is simple: let the government reopen now, and continue debating larger political issues later. These workers need to know when their next paycheck is coming—not which party scored a political point.

We’re calling on Congress and President Donald Trump—to listen to the people who are being directly harmed. Pass a clean continuing resolution. Reopen the government. Guarantee back pay. Do it now.

This shutdown is a national embarrassment. The people serving this country deserve better.

Add your name to stand with 820,000 federal workers demanding an end to the shutdown.

Photo: Bill Clark / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images file