Before retiring in 2011, I spent 28 years as a federal civil servant — and during that time, I experienced six government shutdowns. They ranged in length from just one afternoon to the longest shutdown before the Trump administration, which stretched from December 16, 1995, to January 6, 1996.

Once a shutdown begins, an odd and inefficient system kicks into gear. A large number of federal employees are sent home, while others are deemed “essential” and must continue to work without pay. Over the years, the definition of “essential” has changed, but the reality has remained the same: no one gets paid until the shutdown ends.

This situation affects about 1.6 million federal workers nationwide. Without paychecks, many will reduce or halt spending, which can ripple through the economy — especially if the shutdown drags on. In past shutdowns, Congress has always passed legislation to pay federal employees retroactively once the government reopens.

However, former President Trump has suggested he could block back pay (at least for some federal workers) once a shutdown is over. Federal law guarantees that employees eventually receive their pay, but if the president’s stance is pursued, it would almost certainly trigger a swift legal challenge. Members of both political parties in Congress appear to agree that workers should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control, so any final deal is likely to include retroactive pay provisions.

Shutdowns tend to become more painful the longer they last. The record-setting shutdown during Trump’s first term lasted over a month, and it only ended after significant disruptions — including breakdowns in the air traffic control system and widespread flight delays. Early signs of similar disruptions are already appearing, with some airports reporting staff shortages among air traffic controllers.

From my own experience, being furloughed was never something I took lightly. I had work to do, and I wanted to do it. It was deeply frustrating to wait for political leaders to set aside their differences and make a decision.

I feel for today’s federal employees who want nothing more than to return to their jobs serving the public. They work hard — sometimes in the spotlight, often behind the scenes — and their absence is felt when the government grinds to a halt.

I urge everyone to contact their members of Congress and encourage them to reach a bipartisan solution. The American people, and the federal employees who serve them, deserve no less.