The five-week-long government shutdown disrupted critical work at NASA and other government agencies, leaving federal employees wondering if Congress really understands the value they bring.

The photo essay offers a different perspective on D.C.’s furloughed workers.

Federal employees could just flash their federal ID and walk through the fare gates if this measure passes.

“Like many people, I’m frustrated by what’s happening and my heart goes out to these incredibly hard-working people who provide important service to our country, yet have had their lives, disrupted by circumstances, not of their doing,” Rodgers said in a statement.

Many national parks and other federal lands are being trashed during the shutdown, but in many cases, volunteer groups aren’t allowed to help.

You don’t have to be a government worker to take advantage of the deal.

There will be five different grocery pop ups outside different Giant locations around the city on Saturday.

The Phillips Collection says the number of federal workers who’ve visited the museum has quadrupled since the Smithsonians shut their doors.

The most significant impact right now might be for those missing their paychecks.

“Everybody thinks we are shut down because we were last time,” says a red-jacketed Capitol Visitor Center employee. “Well, we’re not.”