For months, a group of former federal workers has gathered each Tuesday on the Hill, trying to get lawmakers’ attention. Sometimes dozens show up, while other weeks have fewer.

This Tuesday was no different, except for one important detail. The government is staring down a shutdown due to start at midnight — a threat that’s only applying more pressure to an already beleaguered federal workforce, the protesters said.

Sitting on a collection of picnic blankets and sleeping bags, around 20 people made signs and ate donuts. Questions of “How’s your job search going?” filled the air. Many of them said they’re still searching for work after the Trump administration’s widespread cuts.

Layne Morrison held up a sign that read “It’s not too late to fix this.” The former deputy chief data officer

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