As the United States approaches a full month of government shutdown, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) calls for a an end to the shutdown. Workers have gone without pay, leading to stress over upcoming bills as the first of the month approaches. Additionally, a potential lapse in November SNAP benefits causes a concern over food security for millions of Americans. 

Everett Kelley, the National President of AFGE, published a letter on October 27 calling for an end to the shutdown and back pay for the thousands of workers who have now missed two paychecks. 

"As president of the American Federation of Government Employees, I represent over 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers who serve with pride and professionalism. They ensure our skies are safe, our veterans receive care, our borders are protected, and our food is inspected. They come from every political background and every corner of this nation. What unites them is a simple belief: that service to country is honorable work," Kelley says.

Read Kelley's full statement.