U.S. government shutdown continues; federal workers line up at food banks

The government shutdown in the United States continues, leaving federal employees in a difficult situation. Many of them now have to rely on food banks to survive as the shutdown extends beyond three weeks.

According to a Xinhua report, free food was distributed on Tuesday (October 21) in Hyattsville, Maryland, marking the third week of the shutdown. Federal employees and contractors collected essential food items there.

From this week, the nonprofit Capital Area Food Bank has started distributing free food specifically for federal workers and contractors in Hyattsville.

CNBC reported that a long line of people formed an hour before the distribution began. Federal workers explained that not receiving their salaries has put them in a tough position, yet they still need to pay regular bills.

Many people in line spoke to CNBC reporters, though some were too embarrassed to show their faces on camera. One female federal employee said that this was the first time in her 21-year career that she had to stand in a food bank line.

She explained, “I have never faced a situation like this. I worked in the military for 21 years, and then for the past two years, I’ve been a federal employee. I chose this job because it offered stability—but that stability has been taken away from us.”

The U.S. government shutdown began on October 1 when the new fiscal year started, as the budget bill was not passed. Despite Republicans holding a majority in the Senate, they repeatedly failed to pass the bill.

On Wednesday (October 22), the bill was blocked for the 12th time due to opposition from Democratic lawmakers. Sixty votes are required for passage, but only 54 voted in favor and 46 against, prolonging the shutdown.

As a result, 750,000 employees in essential services continue to work without pay. Critical sectors, including healthcare and air transport, face crises due to lack of funding. Several government-run tourism and entertainment spots have also been closed.

Meanwhile, the U.S. national debt has surpassed $38 trillion, with per capita debt reaching $111,000. In just two months, the debt increased by $1 trillion.

Since President Trump began his second term, global economic instability has worsened. Trade wars and tariffs have already put many countries in a difficult position, and the U.S. is not immune. The national debt continues to grow as the country struggles to balance government spending and revenue. Within just two months, the national debt rose by $1 trillion, reaching a record $38 trillion. In November 2024, the debt was $36 trillion.