‘Whatever It Takes’: Government Workers Apply For Unemployment As Shutdown Drags On

A sign outside the National Archives in Washington, D.C. informs visitors on Dec. 22, 2018 that the building is closed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP/Getty Images

Long-time federal contractor John Woodson arrived at an unemployment office in Washington, D.C. early Thursday morning. Ordinarily, Woodson would be receiving a paycheck, but because of the partial government shutdown, Woodson spent his day filing an unemployment claim instead.

“We should still be at work right now,” said Woodson. “Politicians should handle this — don’t put this on the citizens. You’re hurting us.”

Even if Woodson can get unemployment, which pays up to $425 a week in D.C., he says it won’t be enough to care for his family.