The shutdown became one of the three longest in U.S. history on Friday, with lawmakers indicating they believe it will drag on and few signs emerging of progress toward reopening the government.

That isn’t stopping questions about what could force lawmakers toward the negotiating table to figure out a resolution, especially with a number of potential pressure points front and center for lawmakers in the coming weeks.

Here are some key dates to keep an eye on in the coming weeks that could force action.

Oct. 24: Next paycheck for federal employees

Government employees — whether they are furloughed or working through the shutdown — are set to miss their first full paycheck on Oct. 24, raising the pressure on lawmakers to act.

The federal workers also received only a partial paycheck earlier this month, putting an extensive strain on the more than 2 million such employees and their families.

The issue is front of mind for some lawmakers, especially in states that feature a higher percentage of federal workers than others.

“It’s a factor,” Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said.

He noted a 2019 law that guarantees back pay, but acknowledged, “That is not the same as getting your paycheck on the day you’re entitled to it, obviously, and people have tuition to pay and rent and all of that.”

Additionally, a memo earlier this month from the White House budget office argued that federal workers may not be entitled to back pay.

A closely watched group of government employees is air traffic controllers, of which more than 10,000 are working without pay. A “sick-out” among air traffic controllers is widely seen as a tipping point toward ending the longest shutdown in history in 2019, and absences among controllers this time around could cause headaches for air travel and the wider economy.

One controller told NewsNation on Wednesday that they are working as a delivery driver to help pay for their daughter’s tuition amid the impasse.

In addition to the pain government workers and their families will feel, the effects could trickle down into the surrounding communities as they cut back on spending. That, in........

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