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In the District, the Shutdown Breaks More Than Paychecks

October 1, 2025

The federal government shutdown that began at midnight Wednesday has furloughed nearly 750,000 federal workers, with an estimated daily compensation loss of approximately $400 million according to the Congressional Budget Office. While basic services in Washington D.C. remain operational, including trash collection, schools, and Metro transportation, the shutdown has severely impacted federal employees across the metropolitan area, including those in Maryland and Virginia. Small businesses, restaurants, and tourism are suffering as federal buildings close, museums and monuments shut down, and workers have their pay suspended due to political disagreements.

Who is affected

  • Nearly 750,000 furloughed federal workers
  • Federal employees residing in Prince George's County, Maryland, Arlington, Virginia, and Southeast D.C.'s Anacostia
  • Small business owners, shops, and restaurants in downtown D.C.
  • Tourists unable to access museums and national monuments
  • Cafeteria workers in federal buildings, park rangers, and teachers dependent on federal aid
  • D.C. residents already impacted by federal layoffs

What action is being taken

  • The federal government has closed its doors, suspending operations
  • Federal employees are being furloughed with deferred wages
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics has suspended its reports, including September jobs numbers
  • Parks are using visitor fees to maintain bare services like trash removal
  • D.C. city services continue to operate, including trash collection, schools, and public transportation

Why it matters

  • The shutdown is causing an estimated $400 million daily loss in compensation
  • Critical government functions are suspended, including cybersecurity response capabilities
  • Tourism and local businesses are suffering additional economic damage after already being weakened by remote work and the pandemic
  • Important government reports like job numbers are not being released, leaving the country "blind to its own condition"
  • The shutdown threatens the economic stability of D.C. residents and the regional economy

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer