Shutdown averted: Agencies use social media to inform employees, public
Federal agencies and leadership take to apps such as Facebook and Twitter to remind public and employees that they're open for business
When members of Congress were unable to come to a consensus at the end of the previous week, a majority of federal employees got an extra day off.
Late Monday afternoon, Congress and President Trump passed a continuing resolution that will fund the government until at least Feb. 8. Reopening the government, even temporarily, may give Congress more time to negotiate the fiscal budget, but it also ensures federal employees are able to go to work, and receive a timely pay check.
When the CR passed, many government agencies and employees took to social media to show their relief and remind employees and the public that the government is once again open for business.
Good morning. We're back online and will resume our efforts to share information.
— HealthCare.gov (@HealthCareGov) January 23, 2018
The U.S. government shutdown is over and we're happy to be back at work!
— NIST (@usnistgov) January 23, 2018
This evening, the President signed a bill to fund the government through Feb. 8, ending the current shutdown. USACE employees are to return to their normal place of duty on Tuesday, Jan. 23.
— USACE HQ (@USACEHQ) January 23, 2018
But unlike the previous shutdown in 2013 that lasted around 16 days, the weekend shutdown didn’t leave as lasting of an impact. Agency leadership used Twitter and Facebook to show the public just that — and also to reach out to their employees and give thanks for their service.
Just got word @POTUS has signed a short-term bill to restart the government. Looking forward to having ALL our teammates back at work tomorrow. Thanks for helping each other navigate the uncertainty & for being good wingmen.
— Gen. Dave Goldfein (@GenDaveGoldfein) January 23, 2018
Be assured that during the government shutdown, thousands of dedicated @USDA employees were still on the job ensuring the security of the food supply and protecting public safety. We are grateful for their dedication. Now back to regular operations Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/JvekZ6hnLz
— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) January 23, 2018
You can expect @USDA offices across the country to be open for normal business Tuesday, now that @POTUS has signed the funding bill passed by Congress. Many thanks to our dedicated employees for continuing to "Do right and feed everyone." pic.twitter.com/p6n21avD8E
— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) January 23, 2018
The Military Health System is back to full operations this morning. Visit https://t.co/34sVQvWhBC to sign up for alerts that will help you stay informed about your benefit.
— MilitaryHealth (@MilitaryHealth) January 23, 2018
Civilian employees are no longer in a furlough status. Report to work at your normally scheduled time. Please watch for possible weather delays or cancellations.
— US Strategic Command (@US_Stratcom) January 23, 2018
Museums, educational institutions, national parks and other monuments showed the most excitement.
When the government reopened, they encouraged the public and stakeholders to check in on programs they are working on, or to visit their establishments.
The Gallery is open to the public today. We look forward to see you!
— National Gallery of Art (@ngadc) January 23, 2018
We're back! @Astro_Sabot and @Astro_Maker are currently working in the vacuum of space during today's #spacewalk outside the @Space_Station. Watch live: https://t.co/mzKW5uDsTi pic.twitter.com/uWTLEBgitX
— NASA (@NASA) January 23, 2018
The Capitol Visitor Center open today 8:30am-4:30pm. We look forward to welcoming you to the Capitol.
— U.S. Capitol (@visitthecapitol) January 23, 2018
We're back! Congress has restored funding of appropriated activities and @USNatArchives is resuming normal operations. Please visit https://t.co/vD19U0lihE for more information. pic.twitter.com/s29k6pkzEF
— US National Archives (@USNatArchives) January 23, 2018
Due to Congressional and Presidential action, federal government operations will resume on Tuesday, January 23. Library of Congress buildings will reopen to the public, researchers and staff, and public events will resume. https://t.co/ccJZHG0ye7
— Library of Congress (@librarycongress) January 23, 2018
Normal @NatlParkService operations have resumed nationwide. pic.twitter.com/3CIlkd7Yxf
— NPS Press (@NPS_Press) January 23, 2018
Notice: The Kennedy Center will be open from 5 p.m. to midnight today, however the box office can be accessed starting at 10 a.m. & all events will take place as scheduled.
More info: https://t.co/PneNEMnVuF pic.twitter.com/IUHelw6Zqj
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) January 22, 2018
Not all federal employees were furloughed, however. The shutdown did not stop some excepted employees from having to clock in through the weekend or on Monday.
Those in positions that were deemed essential and necessary such as those working in the federal prison system, fire department, police force, border patrol and many others still worked even during the short government shutdown.
Full government operations have resumed. The men and women of ATF never ceased in their efforts to protect the public and serve our nation. We look forward to sharing more about our work here with you soon. pic.twitter.com/KzV5htcdwO
— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) January 23, 2018
The government is open now and the agencies are in good spirits, at least with their online presence.
But will federal employees and agencies be in the same position in about three weeks when this CR runs out? Only time will tell — or perhaps the agencies will.
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Steff Thomas
Steff Thomas is a digital editor at Federal News Network.
