Here we go again. The federal government shut down one minute after midnight Wednesday after Congress couldn’t agree on how to fund it. While a lot of the national conversation is about who will take blame for yet another totally avoidable crisis, the signal often drowned out by that noise is that shutdowns are devastating to the Washington, DC, area.
Huge cuts to government employment and knock-on cuts in the private sector this year have already walloped the region’s economy, so any further interruption will hurt even worse, Terry Clower, who runs the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, told WTOP. A recent report on the area’s economy says greater Washington’s unemployment rate increased more than eight times the national rate. Removing one of the pillars of the region’s economy, even temporarily, won’t help matters.
Here’s what we know so far. We’ll update this post as we learn more.
I’m a fed. What’s going to happen with my pay?
Here’s a great guide. TL;DR: Anyone who’s furloughed or ordered to work because they’re considered “essential” will not get paid until the shutdown ends, though they will receive back pay at that point thanks to a law President Trump signed to end the 35-day shutdown he caused during his first term. Health insurance will continue. Feds can apply for unemployment during the shutdown, but they’ll have to pay back anything they receive. Some Virginia and Maryland politicians, like Tim Kaine and Jamie Raskin, have published decent resource guides on their websites.
Will I be able to visit museums or national parks in DC?
Most outdoor National Park Service sites like memorials should remain open, but visitor centers will be closed. The Smithsonian expects to be able to operate at least through Monday by using funds left over from the last fiscal year. The Library of Congress is closed and its activities are canceled. Destination DC, the District’s tourism authority, has launched a web page that lists attractions around town that remain open, including private museums. The Spy Museum says it will offer half-off tickets to federal workers via on-site sales (bring your ID) on most days.
How about shutdown plans at other agencies?
All federal agencies should have published contingency plans by now. Check your agency’s website to read them.
What federal services will be affected?
Social Security checks will still go out, and the US Postal Service will still operate. Air traffic controllers and TSA staff are required to work, though they won’t get paid till the shutdown ends. (During the last shutdown, though, many began to call in sick as the shutdown dragged on.) Federal courts have warned they may be able to operate only through Friday.
Military?
You still have to work. You won’t get paid till the shutdown ends.
ICE?
Its agents will continue their seemingly unfettered privations, though they won’t get paid.
How about DC services?
Here’s a good guide. As in the last shutdown, marriage licenses will not be available.
I’m a contractor. Will I get paid?
Things do not look especially great.
What about staff on the Hill?
Depends on whether their boss designates them “essential.”
How about members of Congress?
Don’t worry about your elected representatives: They’ll get paid anyway.
Andrew Beaujon joined Washingtonian in late 2014. He was previously with the Poynter Institute, TBD.com, and Washington City Paper. He lives in Del Ray.
