DOT Government Shutdown Plan Keeps Roads Moving

3 months ago
3Minutes

By Ahsan Ali

If Congress fails to pass a funding bill, much of Washington could come to a stop. But America’s highways and trucking industry won’t. The Department of Transportation (DOT) released its shutdown plan on September 30, showing that key safety operations and road programs will keep running.

That’s because many transportation programs are funded by the Highway Trust Fund and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which are separate from the yearly budget Congress votes on. By law, agencies must also continue any work that protects lives and property.

Trucking Oversight Stays in Place

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates truckers, will keep all 1,084 employees on the job. Only 21 are listed under a special “Deferred Resignation Program” and not working.

The agency is funded mostly through contract authority tied to the Highway Trust Fund. It also collects fees for licensing, insurance, and drug-and-alcohol testing programs, which cover staff and services. DOT said FMCSA has enough cash to ride out a short shutdown.

Highway Programs Stay Open

The Federal Highway Administration will keep all 2,268 workers on duty. DOT confirmed there’s no risk of furloughs and that states will keep getting reimbursed for road construction projects for months, even if Congress doesn’t act right away.

Hazmat Safety Continues, With Some Cuts

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) will face some cutbacks. Out of 579 employees, 190 will be furloughed. Still, 63 will stay on the job to protect life and property.

That means inspectors will continue checking shippers, investigating accidents, and enforcing safety rules when threats are urgent. The agency will also keep issuing emergency permits, paying out preparedness grants, and running IT systems to support safety and cybersecurity.

But training programs, research, and rulemaking will be paused until funding returns.

Vehicle Safety Operations Unchanged

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which sets car safety standards, won’t see much change. All 574 employees will keep working, except for 13 in the deferred resignation group.

The agency has enough money from past appropriations, the Highway Trust Fund, and the infrastructure law to continue without interruption. Staff paychecks may shift to different funding sources, but no disruptions are expected.

Maritime Programs Move Forward, With Fewer Workers

The Maritime Administration will keep 590 of its 790 employees on the job. Programs tied to national defense, like the Ready Reserve Fleet and Maritime Security Program, will keep running thanks to carryover funds.

Other Agencies Take Bigger Hits

Not every transportation agency is as lucky. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) expects more than 11,000 workers to be furloughed. Air traffic controllers and safety inspectors will still report for duty, but without pay.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will keep running accident investigations and inspections, but most of its research and regulatory work will be put on hold. Transit programs backed by long-term funding will continue without issue.