The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, D.C.’s public transportation system, has lost $6.4 million since the partial government shutdown took effect nearly four weeks ago, according to a newly released Senate report.
WMATA General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld told Virginia and Maryland senators in a letter Thursday that every weekday the shutdown drags on costs the organization $400,000.
Government employees furloughed due to the shutdown have missed 16 work days through Thursday. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are federal holidays. In addition, the White House declared Christmas Eve a holiday, bringing the 19 weekdays since the shutdown began Dec. 22 down to 16.
The four Democratic senators lambasted the Trump administration for not working with Democrats to negotiate a deal to reopen the entire government after lawmakers refused to agree to put up $5.7 billion for enhancements at the southern border when funding ran out Dec. 21.
“At a time when Metro already is undertaking substantial, disruptive projects to improve safety and reliability, President Trump’s shutdown is jeopardizing the health and stability of the entire Metro system. This wasteful, destructive shutdown must come to an end,” Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, wrote in a response to Wiedefeld.
As of Jan. 10, the senators said the government owes WMATA $33 million for unreimbursed expenses that were incurred because of the shutdown. They said it will hit $50 million by the end of January if the current situation continues.
[Also read: TSA official warns absences during partial shutdown have hurt security]
