FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS:
WASHINGTON — It looks like the government shutdown will end soon.
The Senate has advanced a bill reopening federal agencies through Feb. 8 after Democrats relented and lifted their blockade against the legislation.
The shutdown began Saturday after Democrats derailed a Republican measure that would have kept government open until Feb. 16. Democrats wanted to pressure the GOP to cut a deal protecting young immigrants from deportation and boosting federal spending.
Moderates from both parties pressured leaders to end the shutdown and compromise.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats agreed to back the bill reopening government after he and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to begin debating an immigration bill by Feb. 8.
The Senate vote was 81-18 well above the 60 votes needed. The Senate still must vote on final passage to send the bill to the House.
Sunday:
Many activities and personnel at Fort Riley are impacted by the current government shutdown; however, all employees not on leave must report for work Monday, Jan. 22 to conduct an orderly shutdown, according to information sent from Fort Riley.
No matter how long the shutdown lasts, “life, health and safety” and mission-critical services will continue to be our number one priority.
Current information as of Jan. 20:
- All civilian employees report to work Jan. 22 for detailed instructions from supervisor. If furloughed, employees are prohibited from working. This includes “volunteering,” taking phone calls, checking email, etc. Employees will return to work when appropriation / continuing resolution is provided. Ensure you remain readily available and can be easily contacted by your supervisor.
- Police and emergency response continues.
- Fire stations and emergency response remain fully manned.
- Visitor Control Center hours will change to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays; expect longer wait times.
- No permanent firearms registration; however, five-day registrations will be issued with extensions approved at regular 5 Day intervals.
- The commissary is open normal hours through Wednesday evening, then will close pending appropriations.
- There is no out-processing for permanent change of station moves unless you’re going to a deploying unit.
- There is no common access card (CAC) processing for military or Dept. of the Army civilians; unit CAC machines must be used. ID card service is available for retirees and family members only.
- Education services will be limited.
- Equal Employment Opportunity office will be closed.
- Recreational access to Fort Riley’s training areas is suspended.
- Support to Soldiers and families by the Directorate of Public Works for off-post housing issues is suspended; check with your chain of command for assistance.
- Arts and Crafts Center is closed.
- Auto Skills has reduced / minimal services; hours remain the same.
- Army Community Service buildings are closed; limited services available by appointment only.
- Exceptional Family Member Program continues with limited support.
The following remain open/no change:
- On-post USD-475 schools
- Child and Youth Services
- Child Development Centers
- Fitness centers / gyms
- Pools
- Army Emergency Relief
- Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
- Riley’s Conference Center
- Warrior Zone
- Chapel services
- Outdoor Recreation Rental Services
- Travel Services
- Corvias on-post housing support
- Irwin Army Community Hospital
Irwin Army Community Hospital medical duties are considered excepted services. Patient care will be minimally impacted by the government shutdown. ALL inpatient and outpatient care will continue to be provided; follow-up and management of existing conditions will also continue. Appointments already scheduled will NOT be cancelled, and care will be provided in conjunction with same-day care. All support functions such as Nutrition Care (dining facility), Housekeeping, Logistics, Facilities, Radiology, Lab, and Pharmacy, will remain open at all locations and will operate during normal hours. Central Appointments (appointment line) and Referral Management will all remain operational. Public Health, the SRP site, and the Wellness Center will remain open and operational. If there are any further questions regarding medical services, please contact the information esk at (785) 239-7000 or the appointment line (785) 239-DOCS (3627).
Additional updates about shutdown impacts at Fort Riley will be provided as they become available.
