I'd like to draw on the experience and wisdom of the many people in this subreddit that work in or close to government positions. If you would be so kind, I'd like to ask a few questions.

1) How has the government shutdown affected you and your coworkers?

2) What ramifications will there be from a shutdown that extends into February or beyond? Will we reach a point where it will take months for government agencies to catch-up with the back-log while still processing the usual work that is done?

3) If TSA continues to quit en masse and are soon followed by ATC workers (whether by strike, quitting, etc.), what ramifications would there be if air travel comes to a halt in the US? Do you think it would rapidly accelerate the country towards a recession?

4) What are some things the average person might not realize about government agencies (like the one you work for if you do) that you'd like to mention?

5) In your opinion, how much longer will the shutdown continue and if Trump refuses to budge, is there a way out of this crisis?