You’ve been hearing about the possible government shutdown all week and with the new fiscal year starting tomorrow, the deadline is fast approaching.
Here are five ways the shutdown will affect D.C. students if allowed:
Internships and jobs
If your job or internship is with any branch of the federal government, you may be asked not to report for work tomorrow or Wednesday. It’s still a good idea to get in touch with your academic advisor to confirm that you are still eligible for academic credit in the event of an extended shutdown. However, your work should not be interrupted if your internship or job is with a non-governmental agency or an agency that operates independently of government funding.
Public transportation
The Metro and buses will continue to run normally during a government shutdown because it is a separate entity, according to a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority memo. However, buses and trains may run less frequently due to low decreased ridership from the government shutdown, WMATA said.
Police/EMT/Fire
Emergency services will not be interrupted in D.C. Response times to 911 calls will remain the same and 911 call centers will be fully staffed 24/7, according to the Washington Post.
Recreational activities
All Smithsonian Museums, including the zoo and national parks, will be closed in the event of a government shutdown, according to a Washington Post article. But don’t worry, the animals at the zoo will still be fed and cared for. However, if you are in one of these locations when the government shuts down, you will asked to leave immediately. Museums that require entrance fees, like the International Spy Museum and the Newseum, will remain open during a shutdown.
Study abroad
Students submitting or receiving passport requests may experience some difficulty if the government is shut down, according to a memo from the U.S. Department of State. Some divisions will be shut down on a case by case basis, so submit your paperwork immediately if you’re looking to go abroad or travel soon. However, the Post Office will not be shut down because it is a separate entity, according to the Washington Post.
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