Skift Take
It’s ironic that the U.S. government would push leave upon the officers guarding major U.S. attractions during a time when security is still a major concern.
Budget cuts from Congress will soon reduce the number of free exhibitions on view each day at the Smithsonian Institution and will force unpaid leave for U.S. Park Police officers who guard the nation's monuments in Washington, New York City and elsewhere, agency officials told Congress on Tuesday.
The House Government Oversight and Reform committee met for about three hours to hear the impact of across-the-board budget cuts on the nation's treasures at the Smithsonian, National Archives and National Park Service.
Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough testified that the museum complex had made administrative cuts but must now reduce its security contract for gallery attendants because of the budget cuts. As a result, the Smithsonian can't keep all galleries open at once and will begin rolling gallery closures after May 1.
Facing a $41 million reduction in its budget, the Smithsonian will likely postpone or cancel som
