All employees of the House of Representatives were issued templates for letters Wednesday they can present to creditors before Friday, when they’re expected to miss their first paychecks — short of a sudden breakthrough in negotiations to end the government shutdown.
“Employees affected by the government shutdown may face temporary hardship in meeting their financial obligations. This lapse in appropriations is expected to be a temporary situation and one that is beyond our employees’ control,” according to the letter prepared by the Office of the House Chief Administrative Officer and reviewed by POLITICO.
“We appreciate your organization’s understanding and flexibility toward employees of the U.S. House of Representatives until this situation is resolved,” the letter continues.
Capitol Hill employees are eligible to join the Congressional Federal Credit Union or the Senate Federal Credit Union, which are both offering interest-free loans — in some cases, up to $10,000 — for those who won’t receive paychecks until the government reopens. Hundreds of workers, from lawyers to laborers, have already applied.
The Senate Federal Credit Union warns on its website that there is a “high volume” of applicants and they are processing the inquiries as quickly as possible.
Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report.
