Office of
Government Relations

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Potential Federal Government Shutdown Resources and Information

UPDATE AS OF March 1, 2024: President Biden signed a continuing resolution to extend federal funding through March 8 and March 22 as follows:

  • March 8, 2024, Deadline:
    • The Agriculture Department and Food and Drug Administration
    • The Commerce and Justice Departments
    • Science, Energy and Water Development
    • Interior, Environment and Related Agences
    • Military Construction and the Department of Veteran Affairs
    • The Transportation Department and Houston and Urban Development
  • March 22, 2024, Deadline:
    • Financial Services and General Government
    • Homeland Security
    • Labor, Health and Human Services, Education
    • Legislative Branch
    • State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
    • Department of Defense

In anticipation of a potential federal government shutdown, our Government Relations (GR) team has been monitoring the issue closely and continues to work with members of Congress and their staff, informing them of the negative impacts that a government shutdown has on university operations, research, and student and campus life. GR and other front-line units continue to coordinate closely to determine the possible impacts a shutdown of any significant length may have on the university.

This page is designed to provide access to relevant resources and the latest information about potential impacts of a shutdown for Texas A&M University faculty, staff and students. If there is a government shutdown, the initial impacts are anticipated to be minimal.

Current Status: The university is operating on a normal basis.

For all university faculty and staff, please report any potential impacts to you or your work through your leadership and through our feedback mechanism at feedback@tamu.edu. For all agencies paired with an academic program, please report any potential impacts through your agency leadership team.

Students with questions or concerns about a specific situation may reach out to their academic advisor, Aggie One Stop or any of our other student services support offered through the Division of Student Affairs.

POTENTIAL SHUTDOWN IMPACTS AND RESOURCES

In the event of a federal government shutdown, every federal agency will release guidance and contingency plans on essential and non-essential services and staff. This varies by agency and is available and regularly updated on the White House’s website. If a shutdown occurs, federal program staff may not have access to email and be prohibited from official business.

Research

In the event of a federal government shutdown, federally-funded research may be impacted. We will continue using available funds in support of work related to research contracts and grants.

Student Financial Aid

Students receiving federal financial aid should not be affected in the short-term, as aid has already been disbursed for the fall 2023 semester.

Immigration / Clearances

Faculty, staff and students applying for Visas, new grants, clearances and background investigations will likely see processing delays.

Employee Benefits

Employees and qualified individuals supported through federally funded research and programs currently enrolled in a  health benefits plan can maintain their coverage, but while furloughed, they pay the State Group Insurance Premium (SGIP) and out-of-pocket expenses.

Most veteran funding operates on a two-year cycle and will be unaffected, particularly medical care. However, processing for new claims may be slower.