On the streets in DC, some people are whispering, some loud, and others too nervous for words.
As it stands right now, the word on the street is that there'll be a shutdown. The question is no longer "will there be one," but "how long." Most people think it will only last one week.
Today, the Secretary sent an email to employees at the State Department. The email, of course, had the obligatory "thank you for your service, these are tough times for us all, etc." Then, came the batten down the hatches message as in make preparations and get yourself ready for a shutdown.
If this happens, employees will be divided into essentials and non-essentials. Non-essentials will have to surrender PDAs, blackberries, and any other mobile device that is State-owned. I'm assuming cars, too. Non-essentials will not be paid, they cannot come into the office to work as a volunteer, and they cannot use this furlough (without pay) as paid leave that they've accrued for vacation time. They're not allowed under any conditions to work at home. About 800,000 employees will be classified as non-essentials.
As for around the city, the Smithsonian Museums will be closed, the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade will be cancelled, trash will not be collected, and streets will not be swept. National parks are going to close too. At least that was my understanding.
Problems stymying the budget appropriations include Republicans attaching ideological issues to the bill i.e. cutting funding for Planned Parenthood, provisions on abortion and the environment, etc. Democrats are holding firm on not signing a bill with these issues attached. I read a quote in the Washington Post saying that it's basically come down to Congressional members' bumper stickers rather than how to keep the government running.
When walking through Union Station groups were headed to protest on Capitol Hill. I saw them meeting up inside and outside of Union Station with their signs and tee-shirts promoting their cause. One of which was Planned Parenthood and a Women's organization (missed the name).
I live across from the Hart Building Senate Offices, and last night all the lights were on until I went to bed around 11:00. The staffers were burning the midnight oil.
My office is planning a "Party like it's 1996" shutdown party to brighten spirits. That's the year of the last shutdown (Newt Gingrich up against Clinton).
I'll keep you posted as this drags on. Additionally, clearly I'll be a non-essential, but there might be a loophole that allows unpaid interns to work. I'll find out on Friday, hopefully.
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