The partial government shutdown continues into its third week after weekend negotiations took place between the Vice President and staffers for congressional leaders. As the disagreement over the federal budget continues between the White House and congressional leaders, stories about the impacts of lacking government services are beginning to surface. Initial reports stated that tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would be on hold because the IRS' fiscal year 2019 appropriations have yet to be approved. However, the White House Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney announced that a policy shift would allow the IRS to issue tax refunds during the shutdown to prevent delay. Also, the National Park Service announced that it will use entrance fee funds to subsidize operations during the shutdown. This decision comes after numerous reports of degradation in the parks' facilities. Another example of the impact of the shutdown relates to trade issues.