A nice wealthy ($8M or so in his personal fortune) Congressman, Steve Pearce (R-NM), suggests that furloughed workers just go get short-term loans if they need cash for bills or living expenses.

“If you are a furloughed government employee, we encourage you to reach out to your financial institution as soon as you worry you may miss a paycheck,” read the post. “Don’t wait until you are behind on a bill; call now and explore your options.”

Right. When you have no income at all your local bank (probably a branch of a big Wall Street one anyway, and we know how sensitive they are to their customers’ requirements) is certainly likely to offer you a loan.

Loan officer: “How do you expect to pay this back?”

Borrower: “Out of my federal pay.”

Loan officer: “But aren’t you furloughed?”

Borrower: “Yes.”

Loan officer: “Then you have no federal pay.”

Borrower: “No. But I will!”

Loan officer: “Come back when you do.”