Wilbur Ross on federal workers going to food banks: 'I don't really quite understand why'

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Thursday said he doesn't understand why some federal workers are seeking out food banks during the government shutdown, saying they have the option of low-interest loans instead.

Speaking on CNBC, Ross argued the 800,000 unpaid federal workers can take out loans to cover their bills as they're poised to miss another paycheck this week. The billionaire investor also emphasized that they're poised to get back pay once the shutdown ends.

https://www.politico.com/story/2019/01/24/ross-government-shutdown-food-banks-1122842These are basically government-guaranteed loans because the government has committed, these folks will get back pay once this whole thing gets settled down," Ross said. "So there is really not a good excuse why there really should be a liquidity crisis now."

"Now true, the people might have to pay a little bit of interest, but the idea that it's paycheck or zero is not a really valid idea," he continued.


Lara Trump tells federal workers that their missed paychecks are sacrifices for the ‘future of our country’

As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history persists, Lara Trump is urging federal employees to “stay strong,” noting that they are sacrificing “for the future of our country” — a message that drew criticism.

“It’s not fair to you, and we all get that, but this is so much bigger than any one person. It is a little bit of pain, but it’s going to be for the future of our country"