UPDATE 9:45 11/22/18
The Senate voted Monday to pass a stopgap spending bill, most likely ending the three-day government shutdown. However, the bill must still be approved by the House.
Congress’s inability to pass a bi-partisan bill Friday to continue funding the government meant that the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m.
Saturday. The shutdown continues today after the Senate fell short of an agreement that would have reopened federal agencies. Negotiations were
still underway with a vote to break a Democratic filibuster on a short-term funding bill scheduled for noon Monday.
Locally, most federal civilian employees will be furloughed, except those considered essential. Members of the military are considered essential, and will still report to work.
Joshua Tree National Park is open, although park visitor centers will be closed, and rangers will not be available for guidance, assistance, maintenance, or emergency response. No permits will be issued, trash will not be collected, restrooms and campgrounds will not be maintained, and
educational programs will not be held. Campers will not be asked to leave, but no campground services will be available, including check-in/check-out, and there is no guarantee reserved campsites will be ready and available.
Veterans hospitals, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, air traffic controllers, federal prisons, border patrol, and the postal service will not be
affected by the shutdown.
Facilities and services will close on board the Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.
MARINE AND FAMILY PROGRAMS:
• The commissary will be open Monday noon to 6 p.m., and will operate normal hours Tuesday and Wednesday. If the government is still shut down, it will not re-open after closing Wednesday. The commissary was not allowed to reorder stock after Friday, so expect diminished merchandise on
the shelves.
• Combat Center Library will close.
• Community Counseling Center will close with the exception of the Marine Intercept Program reporting.
• Substance Abuse Counseling Center will remain open.
• Family Advocacy will close (FAP manager will not be furloughed and will be able to handle emergency cases only).
• Sexual Assault Prevention and Response will remain open.
• Education Center services will be closed. The Education Center building will be open to facilities ongoing college classes.
• School Liaison, Information & Referral, Personal Financial Management, and Marine Corps Family Team Building Services will be closed.
• Family Readiness Officers will be furloughed.
• Child Care, Transition Readiness (TRS) and Personal Readiness (PRS) services will be unaffected by the furlough.
SEMPER FIT:
• Athletic Fields will not be mowed and maintained.
• Community Center will be closed for events (the small gym will remain open).
• No recreational swimming will be offered. Officer/SNCO pool will close. Training Tank will be open for unit training only.
• Wood Hobby Shop will close.
• Outdoor Adventures will close.
• Intramural Sports will cease.
• Youth Sports will cease.
• Theater, Golf Course, Bowling Alley, ITT, HITT and Fitness Centers will not be affected by the furlough.
