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Among the many individuals affected by this uncertain political landscape are the Bittners of Austin, Texas. They find themselves in a precarious financial situation, with a mortgage payment looming on January 1. The stress is compounded for families like theirs, where military members, such as Army Lieutenant Colonel Randall Bittner, may be forced to work without pay in the event of a government shutdown.
The ramifications extend beyond just those directly employed by the federal government. Essential personnel, including air traffic controllers and TSA agents, would also be impacted. The emotional toil on families is significant, as one spouse expressed, "I can't put into words how difficult it is to think that our livelihoods can just be thought of as a pawn."