What: Government shutdown affects veterans and federal workers. Where: Martinsburg, West Virginia. When:. The US government shutdown has hit Martinsburg hard. This town of 20,000 people relies heavily on federal jobs. Over 3,300 locals work for agencies like the VA hospital, IRS, and agriculture office. Another 1,000 commute to DC daily. At the VA hospital, veteran Jonathan Giba faces longer waits for medical care. The VA stopped programs helping veterans find jobs. Air Force veteran Marcellus Brothers says, "We're in limbo, it's scary." The shutdown has closed a USDA service centre and may affect the local IRS office. Small businesses are also feeling the pinch as federal workers cut back on spending. Senator Shelley Moore Capito blames Democrats for the impasse. Residents worry about long-term damage to the local economy if the shutdown continues. (Updated 13 Oct 2025, 05:16 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- What: Government shutdown affects veterans and federal workers
- Where: Martinsburg, West Virginia
- When: