PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The federal government officially entered a shutdown Wednesday morning after lawmakers failed to reach a spending deal.

We’re seeing signs of the shutdown in Philadelphia, and a lot of people want to know what happens during the shutdown and whether we will feel the impact.

National Parks buildings, like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, have traditionally been closed to visitors during shutdowns and are also shuttered as of Wednesday.

“We’re really interested in seeing some histories — Declaration of Independence copy and Liberty Bell, and things like that,” said Brian Miller, who is visiting from San Diego. “We just arrived and found everything closed.”

RELATED: What happens now that a government shutdown is underway | What you need to know

Park Rangers are among the thousands of federal workers now sent home and furloughed during the government shutdown.

TSA officers and air traffic controllers are working as usual, but without pay, as are federal prison workers, health care providers at VA hospitals, and other federal employees deemed essential.

Richard Gennetti represents AFGE District 3, the union representing such employees in our region.

“Their job is so essential that they have to do it, but not so essential that they have to get paid,” said Gennetti.

The Cravens are disappointed to see the Valley Forge National Park Visitor Center closed, thanks to the government shutdown.

“This one and Hopewell Furnace were on our itinerary today. We kept following the news closely and knew there was a strong possibility that it wasn’t going to be open,” said Carol Craven, from Ohio.

She showed off the stamps she gets at every visitor center when they visit the national parks.

However, while the visitor center is closed, the changing fall foliage and sprawling views of the Valley Forge battlegrounds are still accessible.

Without access to maps, the Tuckers are opting for a self-guided tour.

“Gotta love the internet,” said Sharon Tucker, from Michigan. “Do your own little tour.”

“I think it’s a shame. It shows two parties don’t work together to come up with a solution. Everybody’s forgotten how to compromise,” said Steve Carden, who is visiting Philadelphia from Nashville.

“Ultimately, they usually figure it out,” said another visitor. “Have a little bit of faith.”

With the government closed, up to four million federal employees will be without pay, including members of the military.

Social Security and VA benefits are protected. However, around 750,000 employees are furloughed.

During the last government shutdown in 2018, a record number of TSA agents began calling out sick.

“It’s a high-stress environment as it is,” said Joe Shuker, vice president for Region 7 of AFGE 333. “We’re looking for bombs, weapons — too much added stress.”

The U.S. Postal Service is unaffected by the shutdown.

Still, there is fear that many of the government workers who are impacted may be terminated. The White House budget office threatened layoffs for some federal workers.

“There could be far-reaching implications beyond the budget resolution. If these people get cut, they don’t necessarily come back,” Professor Ben Dworkin, from Rowan University.

The main sticking point on Capitol Hill is healthcare.

Republicans supported a short-term measure to fund the government, but Democrats blocked it.

Democrats want to reverse Medicaid cuts and stop enhanced Obamacare subsidies from expiring.

RELATED: Democrats embrace a shutdown fight in a rare moment of unity against Trump

The Senate on Wednesday — the first day of a government shutdown — failed to pass bills aimed at funding the government as congressional leaders continue to blame the opposing party for the shutdown.

More votes are expected on Wednesday, but senators are off Thursday for the Yom Kippur holiday.

What’s open/closed in Philadelphia?

Visit Philadelphia provided the following list of what’s open and closed amid the shutdown:

What’s currently open?

• Arts and culture museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Calder Gardens, The Barnes Foundation, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia Zoo and the Penn Museum

• Attractions that operate entirely without federal funds or support of federal employees: National Constitution Center, American Philosophical Society, Christ Church and Christ Church Burial Ground, Carpenters’ Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, Franklin Square, Betsy Ross House, Museum of the American Revolution, Independence Seaport Museum, Cherry Street Pier, Powel House and Hill-Physick House, National Liberty Museum, Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, Mother Bethel AME Church and the Richard Allen Museum, Gloria Dei Episcopal Church

• The African-American Museum remains closed due to the installation of their next exhibit Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design (re-opening on November 1).

• Independence Visitor Center remained open (as of October 1)

• Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History remains open on weekends only (Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.)

• United States Mint will remain open during the government shutdown

What’s currently closed?

• Liberty Bell Center
• Independence Hall
• Franklin Court
• The Benjamin Franklin Museum
• Rose Garden
• Magnolia Garden
• Benjamin Rush Garden
• 18th Century Garden

Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.