Federal workers in Hampton Roads await relief as shutdown vote looms

VIRGINIA, USA — The House is expected to vote today on ending the record-long government shutdown, and that decision could soon bring relief to federal workers and military families across Hampton Roads who’ve been feeling the pinch.

13News Now’s Germyah Batey spoke with a local economist about when things could get back to normal.

Old Dominion University economist Dr. Vinod Agarwal says relief could come immediately after a deal is finalized, but it may take up to two weeks for federal workers to receive their paychecks.

“The news is that it’s expected not to last much longer. I think families will feel relieved, they should expect paychecks to come in about a week or two,” Agarwal said.

He says the 42-day shutdown has taken a major toll on federal employees and military families, two