How Government Shutdown Could Affect Washington, DC

WASHINGTON - The battle over the budget continues and there is no resolution in sight and the District of Columbia could suffer the most.

D.C. taxpayers are not pleased that the fuss over finances has gotten this far.

"I am distressed because I think in the past, there were such things as statesmen who could actually sit down and talk about the issues, discuss why they believe what they believe, and still come to an agreement to help us pay our bills and make our government work,” said Janice Petty. “Now it's such posturing and acting out that they’re not doing what they were elected to do."

A frustrated D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton addressed Congress about the impending shutdown.

"We ask you, if you shut down the federal government, for goodness sake, don't shut down one of America’s big cities and a city in which you depend greatly,” said Norton. “Many of you live here. The services of the federal government are taken care of by the District of Columbia. This is not something you want to do to the nation’s capital. It makes us look idiotic," said Norton.

So what could happen if the government shuts down? City leaders say emergency services like police and fire won't be affected.

"I think many of the services that are related to public safety and emergency services will continue. Many of the services that serve senior citizens and health care services will continue,” said city administrator Allen Lew.

But trash service is another story. At least temporarily, there will be no trash pickup.

"Basic essential services are really important to any city, especially the nation's capital," said taxpayer Christopher Morales. "I don't think there is anything that speaks to broken government like the entire thing shutting down because people can’t agree on anything.”

"It's just more proof that we should have more independence, statehood perhaps," said taxpayer Sean Bowman.

Back in 1995, parks, museums and the monuments were all shut down.

D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray will discuss the District of Columbia's contingency plan in the event of a federal government shutdown.