This shutdown is now on day 33 – the longest in U.S. history – and we’re continuing an email series to keep you up to date on the latest information and developments about the shutdown. We’re calling it the Shutdown Rundown.
In case you missed it:
Today, hundreds of affected federal employees and their allies held a silent protest in the Senate office building for 33 minutes – one minute for each day this shutdown has lasted. Afterwards, feds chanted and visited Senate offices to tell their elected officials to stop the shutdown TODAY!
But when AFGE President Cox went to talk to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the senator was nowhere to be found. When President Cox refused to leave without talking to McConnell, well, this happened:
- CNN — “Let me work!”: Protestors Pack Senate Building This major action ahead of tomorrow’s votes in the U.S. Senate was covered extensively in the media. Here are a few clips:
- NBC News — Federal workers hold 33 minutes of silent protest in Hart Senate Office Building, one minute for each day of the shutdown.
- Washington Post — ‘Will work for pay’: Furloughed federal workers stage sit-in outside senators’ offices in Washington
- The Hill — Federal Workers Protest at Senate Office Building
For full AFGE shutdown coverage, click here>>>
Action of the Day:
We need every member to make two phone calls TODAY! Call both your senators now at (866) 803-8830 and tell them to reopen the government immediately.
It’s that simple — just pick up the phone, dial (866) 803-8830 and you will be connected with your Senator’s office. Tell them you’re a federal employee, and you want them to reopen the government NOW! Then hang up, and call your other senator!
Need to know:
Have you checked out the AFGE government shutdown hub? We’re updating it regularly with the latest information, talking points, guidance and resource for those impacted by this shutdown.
There’s new information online about financial assistance and other help for feds in need — like where to get groceries or a free sandwich. Visit today.
Legislative Update:
Tomorrow, the Senate will vote on two pieces of legislation to potentially open up the government. It’s important that you call both your senators today and tomorrow at (866) 803-8830 and tell them to vote to reopen the government NOW!