Transit union, Maryland Dem offering free meals to furloughed federal workers

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) are teaming up to provide free meals to furloughed federal workers on Sunday.

The event, which Raskin referred to as the “Sunday Shutdown Supper,” will be held at ATU headquarters in Silver Spring, Md.

“The labor Movement is reminding us of the kind of solidarity and community that America really stands for,” Raskin said in a release. “Let all who are hungry from this Shutdown and Lockout come eat!”

ATU International President Larry Hanley said in the release that the group is opening its doors for “a free meal and camaraderie.”

{mosads}“All are welcome who have been impacted by this unfortunate shutdown,” Hanley said. “We want to offer some comfort and a free meal for them and their families.”

The event comes as the partial shutdown heads into its fourth week. It is now the longest funding lapse in U.S. history.

Raskin has been a harsh critic of the shutdown, joining other congressional Democrats for a rally and blasting it as “one of the worst and most scandalous outrages” of President Trump’s administration.

The shutdown was triggered by an impasse between Trump and congressional Democrats over the president’s demand for over $5 billion in funding for a border wall with Mexico.

About 800,000 federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay, and missed their first paychecks on Friday. Many businesses and other groups have stepped up to offer relief, meals or other aid for federal employees affected by the shutdown.