Government shutdown impacting Borderland federal workers

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Legislators in Washington, D.C. failed to pass any measure to prevent a government shutdown last night. Now, federal workers across the country and here in the Borderland, are starting to feel the pressure. Faced with the reality of no pay coming in the foreseeable future, federal workers from law enforcement agents to office workers, are facing some hard questions this morning.

Fort Bliss tells ABC-7 that its normal operations continue during the government shutdown, and that it anticipates minimal impacts to daily quality of life services. Read the full statement released by Fort Bliss officials below:

“Fort Bliss will continue normal operations during the government shutdown.

While the shutdown is in effect, we anticipate minimal impacts to daily operations and quality of life services in the short term. Essential missions will continue without interruption until further notice.

Key facilities such as the Commissary and PX remain open as well as our child care facilities. Our Department of Emergency Services remains fully operational with Fire and Police services. Other services are functioning but at reduced capacities due to lower approved manning levels so there may be additional wait times.

Fort Bliss remains committed to keeping our Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, and Families informed as additional guidance is received from higher headquarters.”

Mike Brantley

Chief, Media Relations, Garrison Public Affairs

Texas Gas Service, meanwhile, tells customers impacted by the shutdown to contact them for assistance.

"Customers who need financial assistance can find resources at texasgasservice.com/caresor call us at (800-700-2443)," a spokesperson said.

El Paso Electric says customers can call the Customer Care team at (915) 543-5711 or visit epelectric.com/customer-service/assistance-programs.

The utility also provides help through the Bright Hearts Fund, Payment Arrangements, and Low-Income / State Assistance Programs.

ABC-7 also spoke with Jaime Abeytia, a local labor leader. He's been working with unions for years, and said that this shutdown will hit federal workers hard.

"Military families already have a set of worries and troubles that other families don't know about," he said. "What government entities are going to stay open, and which ones are going to be closed?"

Abeytia was stationed at Fort Bliss during a previous shutdown, and while that one was short, he still understands what the soldiers, especially the young ones, are feeling right now.

"They don't make a lot of money in the military, especially junior enlisted folks," he said. "When you have these kinds of situations occur, that creates a high level of insecurity for them. A lot of them live within the margins of poverty and you'd be surprised at how many qualify for public assistance in the form of food stamps."

Those military workers are not the only federal workers who will be impacted in the Borderland. ABC-7 went to the Chamizal National Memorial, which is managed by the National Parks Service. The park was closed and had a sign on the entrance that read:

"Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, the National Park Service is unable to fully staff the properties under its management... The NPS will not operate parks during the shutdown period, and no visitor services will be provided."

ABC-7 is also reaching out to speak with other government entities, as well as federal workers impacted by this change.