Government shutdown enters day three; Congress expected to vote Friday

WASHINGTON - Congress is expected to vote Friday on a deal to reopen the government, but a bipartisan agreement still appears out of reach.

Monument closed

The shutdown’s immediate effects include the closure of the Washington Monument and the cancellation of Saturday’s annual Walk to Defeat ALS, a major fundraiser for research and treatment. A key economic jobs report won’t be released today, and more disruptions are likely if the impasse continues.

Democrats are holding out for protections for Medicaid and Affordable Care Act premiums, along with assurances that President Trump won’t pull funds from federal agencies after budgets are approved. Republicans say they won’t change their funding bill.

The White House is threatening thousands of layoffs and complete closures of unspecified Democratic-led agencies, raising legal questions about executive authority.

READ MORE: U.S. military service members aren’t paid during government shutdown; most VA services not impacted

Federal workers are caught in the middle, and soon everyday Americans will feel the effects too. 

The Senate is scheduled to vote again Friday and throughout the weekend.

Help for furloughed workers

Some local governments and companies are stepping up to help furloughed workers. 

In Virginia, federal employees are protected from eviction and foreclosure. Pepco, the region’s electric provider, is extending payment plans to help workers manage bills.

Maryland is allowing furloughed workers to apply for unemployment, though they must repay those benefits once backpay is issued. Starting Monday, the state will offer $700 no-interest loans, which must be repaid within 45 days after the shutdown ends.

READ MORE: 'Here to do my job': Air Force veteran, now a furloughed federal employee, reacts to shutdown