Here is A Possible Suggestion

for federal workers going without pay right now. I called Deb Haaland's office as well as Martin Heinrich's office (Congressional reps from my state) and asked the person answering to convey a message to the representative/senator. I suggested that the Democrats offer a bill allowing all federal workers to borrow against or withdraw funds from their retirement accounts due to the shutdown. They should be allowed to do this without penalty. Federal retirement accounts are funded with cash, as opposed to private corporations that fund with stock and stock options. I believe the funds are managed by a financial institution. If the Dems produce such a bill and the republicans oppose it, it will be very evident which party is on the side of the federal workers. If it were to pass, it would be a great help to workers. I am not certain of the exact mechanism required to do this, but that could be figured out by congressional staffers. Perhaps it would not work, but should at least be explored, in my opinion. Thoughts?