By Molly McVety
Copyright phillyvoice
As of Thursday afternoon, Visit Philadelphia said eight attractions in the city are closed:
• Liberty Bell Center• Independence Hall• Franklin Court• The Benjamin Franklin Museum• Rose Garden• Magnolia Garden• Benjamin Rush Garden• 18th Century Garden
The length of the closures are dependent on the status of the shutdown, which began early Wednesday morning.
“Despite the uncertainty of the ongoing government shutdown, it’s important to note that Philadelphia has many extraordinary attractions and parks that are still open,” Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, said in a statement. “This city has a thriving culinary scene and a vibrant arts and culture presence, so there is no shortage of things to do.”
Jenea Robinson, vice president of communications at Visit Philadelphia, said the agency is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates from institutions as the situation progresses.
The federal government shutdown began early Wednesday morning after Democrats and Republicans reached an impasse in budget negotiations, which have mostly hinged on the parties’ conflicting stances on health care spending. Democrats are seeking to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, which expire at the end of 2025, and reverse cuts to Medicaid that were passed by the Trump administration this summer. Republicans say they want to fund the government before negotiating on policy.
Many federal employees, including the roughly 46,000 in the Philadelphia area, have been furloughed or are working without pay. Air travel, federal courts and social security assistance could be impacted until an agreement is reached.
On Thursday morning, President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that permanent cuts and layoffs are likely, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt predicted “thousands” of federal employee could lose their jobs. Although some senior officials have warned that the move could violate appropriations law, the Washington Post reported.
The Senate will return to vote on short-term funding bills on Friday after adjourning for Yom Kippur.
