The partial federal shutdown in place now for just about a week won’t end this calendar year.
Both the House and Senate had brief sessions Thursday without any votes on a potential resolution. There is no consensus in either chamber about when a bill could come to a vote. Kansas Senator Pat Roberts:
At issue is whether lawmakers will approve President Donald Trump’s over $5 billion demand for a barrier along the US-Mexico border. Trump says it’s essential for border security, while Democrats say it’s wasteful and there are more effective options.
The shutdown started Dec. 21, affecting nine departments and dozens of agencies. Roberts had a message for the federal workers who will start losing money starting with Friday’s paycheck.
Yahoo News says federal employees will still receive a partial check reflecting work through Dec. 22. Affected federal workers will not receive their Jan. 11 paycheck if the shutdown continues.
There are several federal offices in Emporia.
*USDA office at 3020 West 18th
*Social Security office at 3010 West 18th
*Army Reserve Center at 1412 East Sixth
*US Marines recruiting office inside Flinthills Mall.
In addition, US Fish and Wildlife Services has an office in Hartford near the Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge. The Army Corps of Engineers also handles water flow issues along the Neosho River and maintains larger lakes including John Redmond Reservoir in Coffey County and Melvern Lake in Osage County. The Department of the Interior also operates the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve north of Strong City.
