Smithsonian Announces Policy For Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A partial government shutdown took effect at midnight on Friday, the third shutdown under the two years of the Trump administration. Lawmakers failed to reach a deal to keep nine federal agencies funded as President Donald Trump demanded money for his wall along the Southern border.

As a result of the shutdown, about 800,000 federal workers are affected and will either be furloughed or have to work without pay. The shutdown affects nine federal agencies and national parks and forests.

Visitors hoping to make a trip to one of the Smithsonian museums or the National Zoo over the holidays will be able to do so until Jan. 1. The Smithsonian said in a statement on Saturday that its museums and the National Zoo are operating under normal business hours and will stay open until Jan. 1.

Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are always closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.

The Smithsonian said it will update its announcement as needed on operations during the shutdown.

You can find a list of Smithsonian facilities and hours here.

Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press