As the shutdown entered its 11th day on News Year's Day, there were signs the lapse was beginning to have an effect, not just on the hundreds of thousands of federal employees who have been furloughed or forced to work without pay but also on the businesses and industries that rely on them, USA Today reported. Though the impact was obscured by Christmas, when government offices were already scheduled to be closed, it may become more pronounced as much of the nation returns to work today. Some businesses are waiting on government loan approvals. Others, near federal buildings or national parks, are worried about losing their customer base. National parks remained open, though some reduced their services. Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., have accommodated visitors but are set to close this week. Social Security checks continued, and airport screeners remain at work.
