The congressional debate has officially led to a government shutdown as of 12:01 a.m. this morning, after the House and the Senate were unable to come to an agreement over legislation for the 2014 Fiscal Year Budget over the weekend.

After weeks of debate, on Friday, the Senate amended and passed legislation -a “stop-gap” Continuing Resolution (CR) - to keep the federal government open until Nov 15.  It was a narrow vote, 54-44.  The House’s provision to defund the Affordable Care Act was removed. The revised legislation went back to the House for consideration over the weekend, which was to avoid a government shutdown, according to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). Unfortunately, both the House and the Senate were unable to concede to the changes in the Continuing Resolution, so we are at a standstill.

The immediate effects on the arts community will not be severe, although closures of federal museums and national parks will occur. It should be noted that the Office of Management and Budget posted Agency Contigency Plans here. But as it goes longer, NEA grants will be delayed, international artists’ visas could be delayed, the majority of federal workers and contractors are likely to be furloughed and are unlikely see retroactive pay, Head Start won’t have funding, and more. The Smithsonian and National Gallery are already closed. Read more on ARTSBlog from our Director of Federal Affairs, Kate Ostrander, about the potential impact on the arts if the shutdown continues.

Deja Vu: Deja Vu: A Look Back At The Last Shutdowns, In Photos by Abigail Oldham, NPR

We will be sure to keep you posted with updates and information relavant to the arts community on this matter – check back often.