GOP shutdown threat disrupts plans to celebrate Jimmy Carter's 99th birthday

One of the lesser-anticipated consequences of a looming government shutdown is the impact it could have on celebrating the 99th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter, reportedThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday.

Specifically, the Carter Presidential Library in Atlanta — which is run by the National Archives and Records Administration — is rescheduling planned Sunday festivities to Saturday, because, if a government shutdown occurs, it will be closed along with most other nonessential federal agenies.

"Instead of Sunday, the library and museum is inviting visitors to come Saturday to eat birthday cake, sign a birthday card and participate in other activities, including painting and trivia games. The film 'All The President’s Men' also will be shown," reported Mike Esterl. "The price of admission? Ninety-nine cents, in a nod to the former president’s birthday. If a federal government shutdown is averted, the library and museum will repeat festivities for visitors on Sunday, according to Clark."

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"The possible government shutdown also has thrown into flux birthday celebration plans in Carter’s hometown of Plains, about three hours south of Atlanta. Sites at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park — including the former president’s boyhood farm — could be closed beginning Sunday," said the report. "He and his wife Rosalynn have lived in the same ranch house since 1961, except for when he was governor and president."

Carter, who has spent much of his post-presidency dedicated to humanitarian causes like building homes for the poor, has struggled with health issues over the past several years, including cancer, and entered hospice care in February rather than continue medical treatment.

The shutdown threat is a result of an impasse between House Republican leadership and the far-right Freedom Caucus, who are demanding extreme cuts to a number of federal programs. In the Senate, both parties have reached a deal to avert a shutdown, but there do not appear to be any immediate plans to take up that measure in the House.