SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. — The Federal Government could shut down this week if Congress fails to pass a funding bill and get it signed by the President on Tuesday night. The shutdown would reduce staffing in some government offices.

One area that would be impacted is the operation of the National Parks. During past shutdowns, parks have had to operate with fewer employees. That's why more than 40 retired National Park Superintendents have written a letter to the Department of the Interior Secretary, urging him to close the parks if the government shuts down.

Phil Francis is one of the names on that letter. He worked at several National Parks for 41 years, including the Great Smoky Mountains.

"We recognize that the employees of the National Park Service are going to be affected," he said. "T

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