Congress needs to make a decision on the federal budget before Tuesday to avoid a government shutdown. If that doesn’t happen, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum will close, possibly early this week.

Presidential libraries are run by the National Archives and Records Administration, and in times of past government shutdowns, the libraries have traditionally closed as well. SMU’s presidential library and museum would be one of 13 across the nation to
be impacted.

The Bush Institute and Cafe 43, however, would remain open, as they are run and funded independently by the George W. Bush Foundation.

In an interview with The Dallas Morning News, Bush Library spokesman John Orrell is quoted saying his office is “working on contingency plans” in the event of closure. It was also confirmed following the interview that closure is definite if a government shutdown does occur.

The question for patrons has become one of ticket refunds — The Dallas Morning News reported that 500-1000 guests daily purchase their tickets to the library and museum ahead of time.

A solution has not been reached on the question of refunds.

President George W. Bush has not released a comment on the situation.