The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE UNITED States Embassy in the Bahamas has assured members of the public, as well as US citizens, that the embassy remains open despite the US government’s partial shut down.

The US government has partially shut down for the first time in 17 years, after Congress failed to agree measures to continue funding basic services.

Federal agencies ordered the closure to begin at midnight on Tuesday, meaning 800,000 “non-essential” workers have been forced to stay at home.

In a statement issued by the Embassy, officials say services remain available now, but if and when services should be discontinued if the partial shut down continues, remains “up in the air.”

“As the United States Government undertakes efforts to enact funding legislation for the 2014 fiscal year, the United States Mission in The Bahamas will continue to operate normally.  All services, including Consular services (both to United States citizens and visa applicants) and Port of Entry operations at both the Nassau and Freeport international airports, will continue as normal for the foreseeable future,” the release said.

When contacted for further comment, Embassy officials said they will keep the public updated as time progresses.

The federal government is the United States’ largest employer. Only federal employees, who are considered essential, will continue working. Those deemed non-essential – more than 800,000 – will be furloughed, unsure when they’ll be able to work or get paid again.

Most furloughed federal workers were supposed to be out of their offices within four hours of the start of business Tuesday.

According to the international press, the shutdown could cost the still-struggling U.S. economy about $1 billion a week in pay lost by furloughed federal workers.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the two previous government shutdowns – in late 1995 and early 1996 – cost the country $1.4 billion.