Lawmakers now have until November 17 to write another spending bill before the government is shut down after the postponement of the shutdown, which was originally set for Oct. 1.
To fully understand what could happen in a government shut down it is best to understand what a government shutdown is A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to enact the 12 annual appropriation bills, and federal agencies must cease all non-essential functions until Congress acts, according to the Brookings Institution. If a government shutdown occurred, the University of Idaho’s Office of Research and Economic Development would be the most affected according to Jodi Walker, the Senior Director of Communication.
Chris Nomura, the Vice President of the Office of Research and Economic Development, said: “If the federal government shutdown occurs, the Office of Research and Economic Development anticipates receiving operation plans from each agency.”
Nomura also shared the potential impacts of the possible shutdown.,
“Federal contracts and some cooperative agreements will receive a stop-work order unless the work is deemed essential or critical by the funding agency,” Nomura said. “Access to federal laboratory spaces will be restricted or closed, most grants and cooperative agreements will be able to continue with minimal disruption,”
This does not affect students as much as it affects the faculty. However, with federal funding still being a concern, it will impact student aid and grants being approved and dispersed. Funding for external research is also federally funded, which can slow things down.
“ORED will continue to monitor the federal funding situation and will keep you informed of new developments,” said Nomura.
For most students, this government shutdown will not change day-to-day school activities, according to Nomura.
“It is imperative that only necessary operational expenditures be incurred during the government shutdown period,” Nomura said.
International Students could take quite a hit from the government shutdown.
“International students would not be able to schedule VISA or immigration appointments as Federal immigration officers and embassies could be impacted. If that happens then there could be a backlog created and so when the Feds reopen, we could see delays due to backlogs,” said Jodi Walker.
These would not be imminently in effect. If the shutdown went on long enough these issues could occur. Sponsors of the university will be the ones who take the biggest hit during the potential government shutdown. UI will continue to be prudent during that time.,
“Thus, it must be prudent to ensure we can continue operations for the duration of the shutdown,” Nomura said.
Grace Boehland can be reached at [email protected]