Smithsonian Announces Policy For Government Shutdown

[appalachiablue]

Last edited Sat Dec 22, 2018, 03:18 PM - Edit history (2)

Source: Patch Media

2 hrs. ago. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A partial government shutdown took effect at midnight on Friday, the third shutdown under the two years of the Trump administration. Lawmakers failed to reach a deal to keep nine federal agencies funded as President Donald Trump demanded money for his wall along the Southern border.

As a result of the shutdown, about 800,000 federal workers are affected and will either be furloughed or have to work without pay. The shutdown affects nine federal agencies and national parks and forests.

Visitors hoping to make a trip to one of the Smithsonian museums or the National Zoo over the holidays will be able to do so until Jan. 1. The Smithsonian said in a statement on Saturday that its museums and the National Zoo are operating under normal business hours and will stay open until Jan. 1.

Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are always closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. The Smithsonian said it will update its announcement as needed on operations during the shutdown. You can find a list of Smithsonian facilities and hours here. -END-


Read more: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/smithsonian-announces-policy-for-government-shutdown/ar-BBRiDp1?ocid=HPCOMMDHP15

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United States Botanic Garden, next to the Capitol, National Mall.

[Roy Rolling]

1. The Trump Shutdown

"Let them play golf"

[appalachiablue]

2. "States Will Help Run U.S. National Parks In Federal Govt. Shutdown"

Dec 22 (Reuters) - U.S. National Parks will be left with just a skeleton staff during the federal government shutdown, and several states are using their own funds to make sure public restrooms get cleaned and visitor centers stay open.

The shutdown of all but essential federal services due to a Capitol Hill fight over U.S. President Donald Trump's funding demands for a Mexico border wall comes at the height of the Christmas travel season.

The National Park Service said this week that parks will remain "as accessible as possible." During a three-day government shutdown in January, the gates to about two-thirds of national parks and monuments remained open.

"Services that require staffing and maintenance such as campgrounds and full-service restrooms will not be operating," Jeremy Barnum, the National Parks Service chief spokesman, said in a statement. . .

More, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/states-help-run-us-national-parks-in-federal-government-shutdown/ar-BBRihjY?li=BBnbcA1&ocid=HPCOMMDHP15



The Grand Canyon, rafting on the Colorado River.

[CottonBear]

3. I had planned to take my child to DC on Jan 5.

On the 5th, We’ll be on our way home from an out of state trip to attend a family wedding. We’ll be just under 2 hours away from DC when we’re at the wedding location.

I thought we could see a few sights like the Air & Space museum, the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII memorial. My kid has a huge interest in history, WWII, space flight and space exploration.

The only way we could even consider going us because we’d already be there and he’ll still be on school holiday.

The GOP managed to totally screw my plan for a day in DC with my child.

[appalachiablue]

4. Hope this funding mess is resolved & you can still visit DC.

Much to see, the wonderful WWII Memorial, associated FDR Memorial, and nearby MLK Jr. Memorial. Good luck!

[CottonBear]

5. Those pictures are wonderful!

I haven’t been to DC since the 70s. There are so many new monuments and museums to visit.

I’d love to visit DC when Trump is not there. Preferably, when he is gone from office, sooner rather than later.