National Zoo
WILL SHUT DOWN
The National Zoo will be shutting its doors to the public starting today. And that means the live stream of cute pandas also won’t be running.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Don’t worry, the Zoo says it plans to keep feeding and caring for their animals.
Research
WILL SHUT DOWN
Federal Aviation Administration development projects to improve air traffic control system and improve car safety.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
The skies, however, will continue to be safe as air traffic controllers will still work through a shutdown.
NASA
WILL SHUT DOWN
97 percent of workers will be furloughed.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Astronauts in space will continue to work. So too will mission control.
Science
WILL SHUT DOWN
Scientists in polar programs such as the Arctic and support staff.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Among those who can keep working during a shutdown are the scientists stationed in the Arctic and Antarctic and other Polar Programs staff who will “maintain communications with individuals ‘on the ice’ to assist in responding to emergency situations that might arise.”
Life on Capitol Hill
WILL SHUT DOWN
The House gift shop, barber shop, dry cleaning , shoe shine and wellness center.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
There will be at least one entrance open to each House office.
Who’s Essential
WILL SHUT DOWN
The entire federal government will divide between “essential” or excepted employees and “non-essential” or non-excepted employees.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Essential (exempted) employees can stay on the job through a government shutdown, but they’re not allowed to talk to furloughed employees. According to a State Department shutdown memo “Excepted personnel should not communicate with non-excepted employees.”
Communication
WILL SHUT DOWN
Furloughed employees may have their smart phones taken away.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Many workers will simply keep their smart phones even though they aren’t supposed to work.
Funding
WILL SHUT DOWN
Two key functions will be on hold until Congress approves new funding: foreign military aid and payments to non-governmental organizations.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Most of the State Department will keep running using reserve fund in the event of a shut down, including visa and passport applications.
Tourist Attractions
WILL SHUT DOWN
Washington, D.C.’s 45 fountains, which are run by the National Park Service, have all been turned off.
WON'T SHUT DOWN
Arlington National Cemetery, which is run by the Army, will remain open.