AUSTIN, Texas — As the federal government shutdown enters its 15th day, thousands of federal employees are bracing for financial uncertainty with no end in sight to the funding impasse.

Wednesday marked the first missed paycheck for some government workers, intensifying stress among employees and their families.

“We’re part of America, and America is suffering right now,” said Eddie Walker, president of National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 247, which represents about 1,500 out of 6,000 IRS workers in Austin.

Initially, Walker said the Austin office was able to stay open during the first five days of the government shutdown due to funds from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. However, he said at the end of the fifth day, some of the employees were asked not to come back.

Walker note

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