The US federal government shutdown has entered its third week, with widespread effects on society becoming increasingly apparent. According to the US Department of the Treasury, the total federal debt had exceeded $38 trillion for the first time as of October 21.

The continued shutdown has created significant financial pressure for essential government workers. Reuters reported that approximately 60,000 aviation safety personnel responsible for ensuring the safety of US airspace have not received their salaries, leaving them under considerable financial strain.

Many have started relying on savings, credit cards, or second jobs such as Uber and DoorDash to support their families. 

Unions and airport authorities have begun organizing food donations and considering further aid such as boxed lunches. This situation mirrors the 2019 shutdown when high absenteeism among unpaid workers disrupted air travel, boosting pressure on lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture has warned that if the federal government shutdown continues, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds could run out next month. Roughly 42 million Americans are facing the possibility of losing access to food stamps in November, according to Bloomberg.

The shutdown has also affected the publication of key economic data. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has rescheduled the Consumer Price Index release for September on October 24, which was originally scheduled for October 15.