‘House Republicans are AWOL’: The Weeknight hosts slam GOP for abandoning federal workers

Government Shutdown Impact - Federal workers are urging Congress to pass a short-term funding bill and end the government shutdown, now in its fifth week [1] - Many federal workers are facing financial hardship, with some relying on food banks after missing paychecks [1][4][5] - The shutdown is affecting essential services, including SNAP benefits and healthcare access [4] - The shutdown impacts federal workers across the country, including TSA agents and USDA employees [5] Political Dynamics - Public opinion is divided, with 50% blaming the President and 43% blaming Democrats for the shutdown [2][3] - Democrats in the House and Senate are present, while Republicans in the House of Representatives are absent [6] - The Vice President has been tasked with meeting with Senate Republicans to discuss marketing, messaging, and management of the shutdown [9][10] Union Response - A major union, AFGE, is stating that the situation has gone too far [7][8] - AFGE's stance puts pressure on both Democrats and Republicans to find a resolution [6][7][8]