Some essential federal workers to receive partial paychecks, face financial burden amid shutdown

WASHINGTON —

Two weeks into the federal government shutdown, essential workers are already receiving partial paychecks, illustrating the growing financial stress as lawmakers failed again to reopen the government.

Air traffic controllers across the country started receiving their first partial paychecks on Tuesday, and stressed that the financial distraction is becoming impossible to ignore. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said its members are expected to miss their first full paycheck in just a couple of weeks.

"We are not responsible for ending shutdowns," NATCA President Nick Daniels said. "Only our elected officials are, and our elected officials need to end the shutdown today."

Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers played a major role in delay