Nov. 13: End of shutdown
This email is being sent to PIs with open federal awards, deans, research associate deans, and unit heads whose units have federal sponsored projects.
Dear Colleagues,
As you likely are aware, President Trump signed legislation late last night to reopen the government for about two and a half months, through Jan. 30, 2026.
Given the length of the shutdown, it will likely take several weeks for all agencies to be fully operational again as employees catch up. The Office of Sponsored Programs will follow up on items awaiting federal staff action. Your patience is appreciated.
The funding agreement is short-term for most agencies. USDA, military construction, and Veteran’s Affairs have full year budgets for the 2026 fiscal year, while Congress will need to take additional action before late January to continue to keep operations for other agencies moving.
Please be especially diligent in taking care of all tasks, reports, submissions, etc., during the next two and a half months in case another shutdown occurs during those future negotiations.
This week’s agreement includes provisions to reinstate federal employees who were laid off in the reductions of force during the shutdown and prohibits further reductions in force between now and Jan. 30. It also funds a full year of SNAP food benefits that were part of the USDA appropriation.
Thank you for all you do. Please reach out to us if there is anything we can assist you with as federal operations resume.
Best,
Cass
Cassandra Moseley, Ph.D. (she/hers)
Vice President for Research
Professor, Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship
Office of the Vice President for Research