Federal Government Shutdown Closes Iconic US Landmarks, Furloughs Thousands

A federal government shutdown that took effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday after Congress failed to pass a funding bill has closed or threatens to close national parks, monuments and federally funded museums — including the Gateway Arch, parts of the National Mall and many Smithsonian sites — disrupting tourist plans and museum events. The Statue of Liberty remained open initially, but Gov. Kathy Hochul warned it could soon close and said the shutdown endangers food assistance programs, warning “One in 10 people in our state will now struggle putting food on their tables” and that 442,000 women and children could see WIC cuts. Some services will continue — the U.S. Postal Service, Social Security and Medicare, federal courts and passport services — while “excepted” employees such as active-duty military, law enforcement, air traffic controllers and TSA agents remain on the job without pay. Agencies are required to furlough non-excepted staff, leaving critical support roles vacant and producing operational uncertainty because many agencies have not yet posted shutdown plans. Local officials in places like St. Louis and New York say they are monitoring the situation and assessing contingencies, but warn prolonged shutdowns would strain city services and tourism; tourists have reported last-minute closures and refunds (for example at the Arch). The White House Office of Management and Budget has threatened mass firings for programs left unfunded, underscoring uneven and potentially severe impacts across federal services.