If the federal government shuts down, at least one local congressional office will be open.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) deemed her entire staff "essential" and will keep her Capitol Hill and District offices open and operating on normal business hours.
Each member of Congress decides which staff members are essential.
Norton's staff will work without pay during the shutdown if it happens.
"The burden and the responsibilities of the staff that represent the District of Columbia are always greater than for other districts," said Norton. "We hope that federal employees who have been deemed essential will be paid retroactively, although there is certainly no guarantee."
Norton has been trying to free D.C.'s local budget from the congressional battle over federal funds.
She is asking Congress to pass her bill allowing D.C. to spend its local funds for the remainder of the fiscal year.
