(NewsNation) — A 16-year air traffic controller says the government shutdown has brought about an "immense amount of anxiety" for himself and others because of the uncertainty about how long it will last.
"I'm right on the brink of calling it a depression," Jack Criss, an Air Traffic Control specialist for the FAA, told Chris Cuomo on Tuesday. "I am seeking assistance and counseling."
Two weeks ago, Criss took lawmakers to task at a NewsNation Town Hall and said the shutdown has forced him to work a second job as a DoorDash delivery worker to make ends meet. Tuesday marked the first day air traffic controllers didn't receive their first full paycheck due to the continued government shutdown.
A union representing thousands of federal air traffic controllers urged Congress on Tuesday to end the shutdown.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is the second union representing federal government workers to call on Washington lawmakers this week to pass a short-term funding bill so its workers can receive paychecks. The American Federation of Government Employees also issued a similar call Monday.
"I have all of these people around me who aren't getting a check," Criss said. "Even though you and DoorDash have helped me, I still have regular human being things that need to be paid. And I'm just wondering when I'm going to get paid."
Colleagues coming to me searching for answers about shutdown: Criss
Criss pointed out some of his colleagues have been coming to him for assistance in what they should do as the shutdown has the possibility to continue for some time.
The standoff between Democrats and Republicans has entered its fifth week, and has left many questions about how federal workers will get paid, while also putting several federally funded programs at risk.
"I'm like the older guy, so people come to me," he added. "The new hires ... they are trying to figure out exactly what they are going to do. These guys are young, just bought a car. They just got into the agency. They're wondering whether or not they should have even joined."
Criss acknowledged he trained a first-time mom last week who expressed she has been away from her child and has to spend $2,000 a month on child care, all while she's questioning when she will see her next check.