Starbucks Corp. (SBUX), the world’s largest coffee-shop operator, is giving away cups of joe to encourage the U.S. government to reach a solution to the shutdown and pending debt crisis.

Starbucks customers who buy someone else their favorite drink will receive a free tall brewed coffee starting today through Oct. 11, Chief Executive Officer Howard Schultz, 60, said in an e-mailed letter to Starbucks store and corporate employees.

“It’s that simple — ‘pay it forward,’ and Starbucks will pay you back,” he said. “This is a different yet authentic way Starbucks can help our fellow citizens to come together by supporting one another during a particularly challenging time.”

So go with a friend…