I worked for the Fed's and don't remember being out of work, was threatened ever year around October. Though they can tell non essential to not report to work it hasn't happened in quite awhile since Clinton in 95-96. And I don't remember being out of work then. It is usually a scare tactic and I'm sure congress and senate will get their money as they always do, and they always pass something in the last hours for the peons. If they don't then economic collapse could happen. No money for anyone to spend, pay bills, etc. I guess the preppers would be happy.