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Furloughed federal employees are urging Democrats to hold firm against Republicans in the government funding standoff, even as they face mounting financial strain. Workers like James Kirwan and Monica Gorman emphasize the need to protect federal programs and agency autonomy from what they describe as an "unprecedented power grab." Despite personal hardship and the looming threat of missed paychecks, many express a commitment to a principled stand, fearing future job security and the erosion of public services if they concede now. However, the pressure is immense, with some workers torn between their financial needs and their belief in the cause.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.