Impact of Government Shutdown on National Parks, Museums, and Buildings

Impact of Government Shutdown on National Parks, Museums, and Buildings

Amid political disagreements in Congress, the looming possibility of a government shutdown has left millions of Americans concerned about the potential repercussions. While this debate primarily revolves around funding federal government jobs and services, its far-reaching consequences could have a profound impact on various sectors, including the U.S. economy, national parks, museums, air travel, and cultural attractions. In this article, we will delve into the potential consequences of a government shutdown and how it could affect the daily lives of citizens.

The Political Impasse

As the deadline for an agreement in Congress inches closer, House Republicans find themselves locked in a political impasse. The central issue revolves around a continuing resolution needed to fund federal government jobs and services and avert a government shutdown slated for October 1. A significant faction within the party is pushing for spending cuts, leading to a deadlock. Speaker Kevin McCarthy's efforts to unify House GOP members and avoid a potential political fallout have yet to yield a resolution.

Economic Ramifications

A government shutdown, especially one of extended duration, could wreak havoc on the U.S. economy. One of the immediate consequences would be the furloughing of hundreds of thousands of federal workers. The ripple effect would extend to the American travel industry, which could incur an estimated loss of $1 billion per week. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's ability to manage inflation, a crucial task aiming to maintain stability, would be hampered due to a lack of necessary economic data from federal departments.

Drawing from the lessons of the 35-day shutdown in December 2018, where 800,000 workers were either required to work without pay or furloughed, the U.S. economy bore the staggering cost of approximately $11 billion.

Impact on National Parks

Visitors return to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on June 18, 2021, after it was closed for over 400 days because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If a government shutdown begins this weekend, the museum has enough funding to remain open for a week.

A government shutdown would have an immediate and tangible impact on the nation's natural treasures—the 425 national parks. These pristine landscapes draw millions of visitors annually, but during a shutdown, they could see nearly 1 million visitors turned away daily, leading to a potential daily loss of up to $70 million, according to the National Parks Conservation Association.

The closure would extend to all national monuments, historic houses, battlefields, and other units within the park system, encompassing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. This disruption would affect not only casual tourists but also those who meticulously planned weddings or vacations at these sites.

Furthermore, the shutdown would necessitate the closure of visitor centers, campgrounds, research facilities, museums, and other facilities within these national parks. Educational programs, ranger hikes, and service events would also be suspended.

While some states might have the financial capacity to keep certain parks operational, like Arches in Utah or Arizona's Grand Canyon, the costs vary. For instance, Arches cost Utah a modest $7,662 per day to operate during the 2013 shutdown, while Grand Canyon's daily operation expenses stood at $93,000 but generated a substantial $710 million from tourists.

Air Travel Disruptions

The White House has cautioned that an "extreme Republican shutdown" would lead to over 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 transportation security officers, along with thousands of other Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration personnel, working without pay. States with the most TSA officers—Florida, California, Texas, and New York—would be significantly impacted, as would states with the highest number of air traffic controllers.

 Museum and Attraction Closures

Attractions in Washington, D.C., which receive federal funding, would be particularly vulnerable to closure. These include the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, the Library of Congress, White House tours, the U.S. Botanic Garden, and the Supreme Court. Although the outdoor National Mall would remain accessible to tourists, tours of monuments and access to gift shops would be discontinued.

The Smithsonian Institution, comprising 21 museums and the National Zoo, has a plan in place in case of a shutdown. However, when the available prior-year funding is exhausted, only federal activities designated as 'excepted' will continue. This includes employees responsible for protecting life or property, such as preserving national collections and caring for National Zoo animals.

The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, on the other hand, would remain open to the public, with a commitment to maintaining its buildings and collections as a top priority. Non-appropriated fund staff would continue their work, and the museum's website would be actively maintained.

In conclusion, the ramifications of a government shutdown extend far beyond political disagreements. They touch the lives of everyday Americans, disrupt travel plans, and impact cultural institutions and natural treasures that define our nation. The prospect of such a shutdown underscores the need for bipartisan cooperation to ensure the continued functioning of the government and the preservation of our national heritage.