D.C. Area Counts Down to Possible Shutdown

Government workers are anxiously watching the budget negotiations as the clock ticks down to midnight.

If the federal government shuts down, hundreds of thousands of employees will be told to stay home. While their jobs may be considered "non-essential," many say their paychecks are not.

Legislation has been introduced on Capitol Hill that would reimburse workers for lost wages. A similar measure was passed in the 1990s, and the Obama administration has voiced support for the bill.

Even so, there is no guarantee that Congress will pass the measure. Congressman Jim Moran (D-Va.) is telling his constituents to cut back on expenses if necessary and prepare for the worst.

A government shutdown would also impact D.C. police and fire personnel. Crews and officers would stay on the job, but they will not get a paycheck during the shutdown. Once federal operations resume, those workers will get back pay.

If there is a shutdown, national parks, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo would be closed.

Saturday's Cherry Blossom parade, was originally on the chopping block, but has now been spared and will happen as scheduled regardless of a shutdown.

Because Congress must approve the District's budget, non-essential D.C. workers would be furloughed and many city services suspended.

The rundown:

• Trash collection in the District will be delayed.
• Parking tickets would not be issued by meter enforcement personnel, although police officers could conceivably issue parking tickets.
• About 14,000 city employees would be furloughed.
• DMV offices and libraries would be closed.
• Permits would not be issued to home and business owners.
• Police and fire departments and city schools would remain open.
• The University of the District of Columbia, however, would close.
• Smithsonian museums would be closed.
• Arlington National Cemetery will still have scheduled funeral services next week. The store and bus tour, however, would close.

For an entire list of D.C.-related closures and changes, click here.

Nationally, the Grand Canyon would be forced to close, as well as Yellowstone National Park. That's because the landmarks are run by the National Park Service.

The agency also operates historical sites like the Statue of Liberty and the former Alcatraz prison in San Francisco.

For more information on how government agencies will handle a possible shutdown, including the steps that will be taken over the weekend and on Monday, view a memo from the Executive Office of the President.