"Millions of Federal Workers' Pay at Risk as Government Shutdown Looms"

Millions of federal workers in the United States are facing the risk of not receiving their paychecks as Congress approaches a potential government shutdown. The impasse over a new budget, including funds for the Defense Department, has left House Republicans unable to reach a compromise. The shutdown would not only affect federal employees but also contractors, leading to a ripple effect on businesses dependent on their services. The timing is particularly precarious as households are already grappling with inflation and the expiration of Covid-era benefits. Food banks are preparing for an influx of federal workers seeking assistance, and economists warn that a prolonged shutdown could have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, potentially leading to a recession.