'Our Household Income Has Just Been Slashed in Half'

Federal government workers in Bowie and across the region woke up this morning and went to work, only to be given furlough instructions and be sent home for an indeterminate amount of time, thanks to the first government shutdown in 17 years.

Congress' inability to come to a consensus has left thousands of government workers—including some Bowie residents—with uncertain financial futures.

Arlene Johnson's husband is a federal government worker and has been furloughed as a result of the shutdown, leaving her family's finances crippled, she shared on Bowie Patch's Facebook Page.

"My husband is home without pay...he earns 2/3 of our household income. This is going to hurt come next mortgage payment. Thanks, Congress," Johnson wrote.

Patrice McDonald Crusoe is federal worker facing furlough, and while she and her family are prepared for the temporary loss of her income, she has sympathy for those who are less prepared.

"I am a Federal worker and my husband is Active Duty Military. Our household income has just been slashed in half. We live within our means so we have other resources. But it saddens me to do know that others are not that fortunate," she wrote.

Sharon Neugebauer said she may have trouble paying her bills if the shutdown is long term.

"Federal worker. Income slashed to zero. Wonder how my mortgage company, car loan, and utilities will feel about me asking for some slack the next time my bills come due," Neugebaure wrote on Bowie Patch's Facebook Page.

Local resident Mark Saunders said he went into work at his federal job today and is just waiting to be sent home.

Darlene Prickett expressed her disgust at the shutdown, writing, "This whole thing is shameful!" 

The shutdown came after Congress was unable pass a Continuing Resolution Monday to fund the government. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives attempted several times Monday to push through a bill that tied the CR to a delay in the Affordable Care Act.

Those bills were roundly rejected Democrat-led Senate, which repeatedly stripped any ACA delays from the House bills before sending them back for reconsideration.

What do you think of Tuesday's government shutdown? Tell Patch in the comments.