Federal Government Shutdown Resources

2023 Federal Government Shutdown Resources

Last Updated 10/01/2023

 

Federal Government Shutdown Averted

On Saturday, September 30, the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan Continuing Resolution (CR), which President Biden immediately signed into law, to avert a federal government shutdown just hours ahead of a midnight deadline. The bill provides funding to continue federal government operations for the next 45 days, until November 17. The legislation also includes $16 billion in supplemental funding for federal disaster assistance. The CR provides additional time for the House and Senate to negotiate, and ultimately complete, consideration of Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills. For additional information view a copy of the CR.

Background

Federal government shutdowns occur when Congress does not pass federal appropriations bills to fund the government agencies by the beginning of the fiscal year, October 1. 

Possible Impacts of a Shutdown on Ohio State

  • The biggest challenge for any entity that interfaces with federal agencies is that many federal employees will not be permitted to work. That includes not being able to check email or respond to messages.
  • Each federal agency has developed contingency plans that will dictate the response to a lapse in government funding (see links below).

Student Aid - U.S. Department of Education

With federal student aid already disbursed for the semester, impacts from a U.S. Department of Education shutdown should be minimal for a short-term shutdown. 

  • Federal Student Aid (FSA) systems will remain operational.
  • Student loan borrowers are set to resume payments on October 1 and loan servicers, which are federal contractors, may need to maintain coordination with FSA. Financial aid administrators also of course work closely with FSA on a range of regulatory requirements. 
  • According to the U.S. Education Department’s contingency plan, servicing of federal student loans, as well as disbursement of Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans, “could continue for a very limited time,” but “these operations could also experience some level of disruption” during an extended shutdown.

Research - Federal Research Agencies 

Federal research agencies have begun to release updates on their shutdown procedures (see link below)

  • Generally, research on federally funded projects can continue as usual for a short-term shut down.
  • However, some research functions could be slowed or stalled as agency employees will likely be unable to answer the phone, respond to emails, maintain websites, hold meetings, review grant applications, and process awards. Also, other vital support services would cease as many agency employees would be furloughed. 
  • Ohio State’s Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge has posted guidance related to current federally-funded research projects as well as proposals in development. 

Immigration and visa processing 

During a shutdown, consular and embassy services will remain open, providing international students and scholars the ability to apply for visas. 

  • Embassies are fee-funded entities and will remain open as long as there are fees to support operations.
  • In a shutdown, services for American citizens are further prioritized and international students and scholars may see delays in processing. Additionally, international students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) will likely still be able to apply for work permits.

Key Resources:

The Office of Government Affairs will continue to monitor this situation and will update this information accordingly.  If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact governmentaffairs@osu.edu.