Chicago tourists feeling effects of federal government shutdown: 'Wish they would do their job'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- While thousands of government workers face furloughs and certain government services are not available, the government shutdown also reached Chicago's Far South Side on Wednesday, where there were some very disappointed tourists.

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For connoisseurs of America's national parks, it's all about getting your national park passport stamped and a history lesson along with it.

"This is one of the only spots that's a destination in the in the passport, so I thought I's stop by and see it," Pullman tourist Daniel Young said.

On a trip from Pittsburgh to North Dakota, Young was hoping to learn about the labor movement at the Pullman National Monument, but the building was closed because of the government shutdown.

The Sutherlands also stopped by the museum, on their way back to Florida from Pennsylvania.

"It's sad that we're all this way, and we can't get the stamp and see the building," Kathy Sutherland said.

National parks are among the first to close during shutdowns.

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Most federal services came to a halt Wednesday, and thousands of federal non-essential workers are being furloughed as Senate Republicans and Democrats reached an impasse. Democrats are holding firm against a November 21 funding extension until Republicans negotiate Affordable Care Act tax credits.

Illinois Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth says if lawmakers don't act soon, insurance rates will go up for everyone.

"They've already told us that unless we do something about extending the tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, you're going to see your health insurance rates go up by double, or, some cases, quadruple, for example, for the average family," Sen. Duckworth said.

Republicans blame Democrats for holding federal workers hostage.

"Chuck Schumer, at the behest of a bunch of liberal far left activists groups, has walked his democratic colleagues into a boxed canyon," U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. "There is no way out folks."

While federal workers are worried abut paychecks, Pullman tourists are frustrated with their elected officials.

"I don't understand why they allow things to get this far. And you know, at the expense of the people, they can't afford to lose the check," Pullman tourist Kim Hessel said.

The last time the government shut down was under the first Trump administration in 2018. It lasted 35 days and ended in January of 2019.

"I wish they would do their job," Young said. "We are paying a lot of money for taxes."