TAMPA, Fla. — Three weeks into the government shutdown, federal workers in Tampa wonder how much longer they can take it.

The shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, is now tied for the second longest in U.S. history. If a deal isn’t reached soon, many federal workers will go without a paycheck Friday.

What You Need To Know • Many government workers have continued to work during the shutdown, without pay • Tierra Carter, a Tampa call taker with the Social Security Administration, said she had to take a leave because she couldn't continue working without pay • Social Security employees aren't alone. Most prominently, TSA workers and air traffic controllers also are working without pay • SEE ALSO: Government shutdown threatens wave of missed payments; but there are options

Tierra Carter

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