Western Marylanders weigh impact of federal budget cuts amid possible government shutdown

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The impact of a government shutdown extends beyond the D.C. region.

Residents of western Maryland are bracing for spending cuts.

For Hagerstown resident Timothy Young, a government shutdown would hit hard.

“My father works at NIH [National Institutes of Health],” Young said. “I know he’s concerned his position might be affected. My mother works at Ft. Detrick. She’s a civilian and I suspect civilian jobs are more at risk than military on the base.”

The impact of the shutdown could affect USDA programs in Washington County and Veterans Administration services. Environmental Protection Agency monitoring of water treatment plants could be suspended. National Parks may remain open, though staffing at the parks is uncertain. And getting a passport could depend on where you apply.

Some national park officials said that parks should be closed without staffing because the grounds could be damaged in the absence of a federal workforce overseeing the grounds.

Maria, a Social Security recipient in Hagerstown, is glad her benefits are protected, but said “there are other people here not getting paid during a shutdown and that’s unfortunate.”

Tammy, on housing assistance, said she is anxiety-ridden from the funding uncertainty.

“Anybody in my situation would be anxious,” she said.