Amid the ongoing government shutdown , thousands of people staffing U.S. military bases overseas are missing their pay.

Angelo Zaccaria, a union coordinator at the Aviano Air Base in northeastern Italy, told the Associated Press, “This is having a dramatic effect on us Italian workers.”

Newsweek has reached out to the Pentagon for comment via email on Saturday.

Why It Matters

The federal government has been shut down since October 1, and Republicans and Democrats have been in a stalemate, trading blame back-and-forth over who is responsible for the shutdown and seeking to garner support for resolutions to reopen the government. The GOP holds a majority in the House and Senate but requires Democratic support to reach a deal.

Lawmakers are feeling increased urgency to reope

See Full Page