Shutdown Does Not Yet Affect Amtrak

The partial shutdown of the federal government that began at midnight on Dec. 22 will not affect Amtrak for the time being.

The passenger carrier will continue to operate with cash on hand and revenue that it continues to take in.

Some federal employees will be furloughed while others will work without pay because their jobs are considered to be essential.

Of the 420,000 government employees who will remain on the job despite not receiving a paycheck are 53,000 Transportation Security Administration  employees and 54,000 Customs and Border Protection agents and customs offers.

About 30 percent of those working for the U.S. Department of Transportation are expected to be furloughed, which is 18,300 workers.

Tags: Amtrak, federal government, federal government shutdown, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation