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Business as usual at ORNL during partial government shutdown

The partial government shutdown that began on Dec. 21 does not impact the Department of Energy.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — While several government agencies are closed during the partial government shutdown or open but employees aren't being paid, it's just another day at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The partial government shutdown that began on Dec. 21 does not impact the Department of Energy, according to ORNL Media Relations Manager Morgan McCorkle.

"DOE’s FY 2019 appropriations bill was approved by Congress and signed by the president in September. ORNL is operating on a normal schedule," McCorkle said.

RELATED: Shutdown on the minds of hikers at Big South Fork

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has remained partially open. That means the main roads and trails will be accessible, but many facilities, bathrooms, and other services will be closed. There will also not be any trash collection.

RELATED: No more bathrooms or trash collection in Smokies during shutdown

The non-profit Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA) paid more than $50,000 to operate the Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove visitor centers during the busy holidays, but that funding only lasted through New Year's Day.

The partial government shutdown began on Dec. 22. Funding for Trump's pet project, a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, has been the sticking point in passing budgets for several government departments.

RELATED: Shutdown Day 12: Hill leaders to attend White House briefing on border

RELATED: Congress leaders invited to White House for border briefing

Democratic and Republican congressional leaders are expected to attend a briefing on border security at the White House Wednesday afternoon.

The briefing will be held in the high-security Situation Room at the White House, which is typically used to handle sensitive information. The location means that the conversation will not be televised.

RELATED: Federal workers' union suing government over shutdown

Associated Press writers contributed to this report.

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