News on Youtube Dec 26 2018

National Christmas Tree reopens in Washington despite government shutdown NY Daily News

The nations capital received a tree mendous lift one day before Christmas.

The National Christmas Tree in Washington, which is located near the White House, reopened on Monday despite the government shutdown that began over the weekend.

The iconic tree had closed on Friday, hours before the shutdown started, after a man had climbed it and caused damage. It was not clear when the tree would reopen due to the shutdown, but the National Park Foundation pitched in to fund the Presidents Park site.

"The National Park Foundation and hundreds of local philanthropic organizations and other park partners are always working to help ensure all people have access to our treasured national parks," Will Shafroth of the National Park Foundation said in a statement. "The National Park Foundations support to Presidents Park is one example of how private philanthropy can help support national parks when they need it most."

The National Park Service said Monday that the National Park Foundation is providing financial support to reopen, operate, and manage the tree site.

The government had previously said the site would be sealed off because of the shutdown and repairs. Before it reopened, a locked chain link fence blocked access to the site and the nearby White House visitors center and its bathrooms were closed.

"Kind of annoying when youve got young children," said visitor Greg Forcherio, a government contractor who has no office to work in as long as federal buildings stay closed.

The shutdown began after President Trump and members of Congress failed to come to an agreement on funding for the proposed border wall.

"Just in case anyone still thinks a partial shutdown over a holiday weekend is harmless, think again," said Tony Reardon of the National Treasury Employees Union in a statement. "Your friends and neighbors around the country who work for the federal government are already showing signs of financial stress."

The shutdown has impacted national parks unevenly, some still accessible with bare bones staffing levels.

The National Christmas Tree dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge walked from the White House to light the 48 foot tree.

With News Wire Services