CGTN America
A closed sign is posted on the gate of Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, in Washington. Smithsonian’s National Zoo is closed due to the partial government shutdown. President Donald Trump is convening a border security briefing Wednesday for Democratic and Republican congressional leaders as a partial government shutdown over his demand for border wall funding entered its 12th day. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown—where about a quarter of the government was forced to shutdown due to a lack of funding—on December 22, 2018. It remains shuttered 12 days later.
The majority of the government—around 75 percent—is not affected since they secured funding. However, that is not the case for other agencies and government offices.
The White House has been at odds with lawmakers over funding for the government as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for over $5 billion for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.
In a meeting at the White House with lawmakers Wednesday, Trump said the partial government shutdown will last “as long as it takes.”
Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard and the Secret Service are affected.
But, many of their employees are considered “essential,” and therefore have to report to work, but will do so without pay.
ICE
Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed due to the shutdown.
Due to the #GovernmentShutdown, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are closed. We will update our operating status as soon as the situation is resolved. We do not plan to update social media other than to inform you of our operating status.
— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) January 2, 2019
This includes the popular panda-cam:
Panda cam
The National Parks Service is also being affected by the lack of funding. Some parks are closed completely, while others remain open, but do not have the resources to keep up with trash or restroom maintenance–leaving trash cans and toilets overflowing.
The Marriage Bureau of D.C. courts is closed due to the government shutdown, which means that no one in D.C. is able to get a marriage license until the government reopens. This couple was one of them:
Thank you @realDonaldTrump for the #TrumpShutdown. Thanks to you, the DC marriage bureau is furloughed the week of our wedding! Please stay in Iraq. Sincerely, unwed former public servants.#MyBigFakeGreekWedding pic.twitter.com/cfr2Q0XC5s
— Dan Pollock (@DSPollock) December 27, 2018
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this story.
