Federal Drive Show Blog – October 2, 2013

Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), like many of his colleagues, is in a lather about the federal government shutdown. Some 90,000 federal employees live in his state, along with twice as many contractor employees. He estimates Maryland could lose up to 7 percent of its daily income, with tens of millions in lost economic output each day. Cardin tells Tom and Emily exactly what he thinks of the shutdown.

Federal employees say they’re frustrated, anxious and concerned over the government shutdown. Federal News Radio’s executive editor Jason Miller was at a rally on Capitol Hill.

Like all agencies, the Social Security Administration is operating with a skeleton crew. Media around the country reported long lines at their local social security offices. In some cases, the agency turned people away because it couldn’t provide the services they wanted. Witold Skwierczynski, president of the American Federation of Government Employee’s National Council of Social Security Administration Field Operations Locals, tells the Federal Drive about how many members are on furlough.

Federal employees working through this shutdown are trying their best to make it business as usual. October is energy awareness month. The Army is asking all soldiers to evaluate their use of energy and water. Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, says creating an energy-conscious culture is critical to the mission.

Federal employees working through this shutdown are trying their best to make it business as usual. October is energy awareness month. The Army is asking all soldiers to evaluate their use of energy and water. Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, says creating an energy-conscious culture is critical to the mission.