That's right as Social Security checks went out too for the month. He is also leaving open the department of energy, Health and Human Services and the VA.  They also made a provision all workers will receive back pay they can consider it a holiday paid vacation. They have steady jobs they have credit cards and can buy Christmas presents and pay them off when they get all of their pay in one big chunk when this is over. I almost think it's too good because they will not pay attention.