Federal shutdown affects area

The Trump administration is trying to minimize political fallout from the government shutdown by keeping many national parks and monuments open to visitors. Eleanor Holmes Norton that allows D.C.to use local funding to stay open during federal shutdowns.

People hoping to visit Golden Gate National Recreation Area may find some sites are still accessible, but the park website warns “access may change without notice, and there are no NPS provided services”.

The Trump administration’s approach could dampen any public outcry over a government shutdown, at least for the people camping, hiking or even getting married at national park sites such as Death Valley and the Everglades now in peak season.

But some conservationists said that the shutdown, which could end soon now that senators have reached a bipartisan compromise to reopen the government, highlighted the risks associated with the Trump administration’s strategy. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) chanted “tear down this wall”, as thousands of veterans and supporters tore apart the barricades to access the shuttered property.

However, there are no educational programs and visitor centers, restrooms and campgrounds are closed.

If Republicans and Democrats are unable to resolve their differences, federal agencies could remain partially closed when the work week begins on Monday.

“Law enforcement is still there, but things like cleaning the bathrooms. and telling the story of our parks – which is important – that side of it, while the “Schumer shutdown” is in, by law we’re not able to provide those services”, Zinke said, referring to the GOP label for the shutdown.

Rock Creek Park will remain open for anyone who wants to walk or jog along the trails, even though it’s a national park.

“Because we are an independent entity that is funded through the sale of our products and services, and not by tax dollars, USPS will not be impacted”, the U.S. Postal Service said Saturday in a statement on Twitter.

The National Park Service is one of the many government services affected by the shutdown, including Point Park.

In the meantime, board members said they never received a response from Zinke after several attempts at outreach.

Snow coaches – small buses with tank-like tracks and oversized tires – shuttled visitors from the edge of the park to the geyser field that includes Old Faithful and to other popular destinations within the parks remote interior. It was 2013 and then-President Barack Obama had recently won reelection.

With a shutdown looming, McClintock blasted Obama for deliberately ordering the closing of the park in 2013.

In Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall – where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed – were closed.

“The National Mall is operated by the National Park Service, and there are many other National Service Park properties throughout Washington, DC. we will step in and ensure litter and trash are picked up along the National Mall to keep nation’s front yard clean of debris”.

The government shutdown means the furlough of non-essential IRS employees and could slow down tax refunds.