On Capitol Hill this past Tuesday, around twenty federal employees and contractors, who had faced dismissal, furloughs, or administrative leave, gathered to advocate for their rights. They called on lawmakers to oppose the sweeping workforce reductions imposed by the Trump administration.

The group visited the offices of several Republican Senators, including Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Chuck Grassley, Lisa Murkowski, and John Thune. While they were unable to meet directly with any senators, staff members from Collins’ and Thune’s offices took the time to listen to the concerns of the affected workers.

Glidden expressed her emotional turmoil, saying, “It’s been devastating. I’ve cried every day. I fluctuate between tears, anger, and frustration. While there are moments of hope, especially when participating in actions like this, I’m uncertain about what the future holds.”

Samuel Port, a veteran who served as a federal contractor on USAID projects, reported being furloughed recently. He shared his concerns, stating that his unemployment and VA benefits “are barely keeping me afloat.” He expressed disappointment in Republican lawmakers for their inadequate response to the actions of the Trump administration.

“They’ve been lax, allowing people from DOGE to proceed without any oversight or clear plan,” Port criticized.

Sara Nettleton, a direct hire at USAID focusing on operational continuity and readiness, was placed on administrative leave on Sunday, only to receive her termination notice the following day.

Nettleton described the experience as “incredibly demoralizing,” feeling as if her position had been “ripped away.”

“They’re not allowed to disassemble an entire agency without the approval of Congress,” Nettleton asserted regarding the actions at USAID. “I truly hope that someone steps forward and says, ‘Hold on, this is unlawful. You can’t do this without consent.’”

“This transcends party politics,” Nettleton added. “It’s about American politics, and it’s crucial for everyone to unite and find a solution.”