[ad_1]
The DC Council is expected to approve the “Let Our Vows Endure (LOVE) Emergency Act” as they did during the 2018-19 government shutdown.
WASHINGTON — The federal government shutdown has thrown a wrench into the plans of couples wanting to tie the knot in the District, but the DC Council is expected to approve emergency legislation that would change that.
The court system in D.C. is federally funded, which means that during a government shutdown services deemed non-essential are suspended. That means the Marriage Bureau in DC’s Superior Court has to stop issuing marriage licenses and performing ceremonies.
On Tuesday, the DC Council is expected to approve the Let Our Vows Endure (LOVE) Emergency Act of 2025, which is similar to the bill passed during the 2018-2019 federal government shutdown that lasted 35 days.
“This is temporary legislation that will the Department of Health to do this,” DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson told reporters Monday during his legislative preview. “We’ve done something like this in the past. This is how we adjust when the federal government is not able to get their budgets passed and goes to the shutdown traumas.”
During the government shutdown, the Marriage Bureau is still able to issue certified copies of vital records, including marriage certificates. Divorce proceedings can also continue during Congress’ impasse in funding.
[ad_2]