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56m ago

Shutdown Hits Day 13 as Smithsonian and National Zoo Close, Senate Plans New Vote

Majority Leader John Thune says the Oct. 14 test needs a few Democratic votes to pass.

Smithsonian officials said all the animals at the National Zoo will still be fed and cared for while they wait for their visitors to return and see them. (JACQUELYN MARTIN/AP FILE)
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The closed National Zoo in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
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Overview

  • The Smithsonian closed its 21 museums and the National Zoo after carryover funds ran out, with zoo animals still cared for but live cameras offline.
  • Nearly two weeks into the funding lapse, flight delays are rising due to air-traffic control staffing shortfalls, including at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
  • At least 4,000 civil-service workers were notified on Oct. 10 that they were being laid off rather than furloughed, and officials warned more notices could follow.
  • The standoff centers on health care, with most Senate Democrats seeking to restore Medicaid cuts and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies as Republicans push to reopen first.
  • The Senate has failed seven times to advance the House GOP stopgap running to Nov. 21, with an eighth vote set for Oct. 14 as House Democrats huddle and regional Democrats plan an OMB protest over firings.