A Federal government shutdown began on October 1 after the U.S. Senate failed to pass a proposal to keep government programs and services running. As of publication, it is not clear how long this shutdown will last and no progress has been made toward a deal that would reopen the government. As the BLET reported in late September, the shutdown will affect several government agencies that serve the rail industry and BLET members, including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), National Mediation Board, Surface Transportation Board (STB), and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). In new information:
• Trains.com reported that the FRA will furlough 23% of its staff, but the Office of Railroad Safety will continue working through the shutdown.
• The STB published this announcement outlining functions that would be suspended during the shutdown.
• The RRB announced that most ongoing annuity and benefit payments will continue and all RRB offices are expected to remain open during the lapse in federal funding.