CR EXPIRES TODAY, HOW WOULD A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN IMPACT DOE PROGRAMS?

Congress is still at an impasse over passage of a continuing resolution (CR) extending funding until November 21. After a highly anticipated meeting between President Trump and congressional leaders was unable to find consensus, the likelihood of a government shutdown greatly increased. The CR deadline approaches at midnight tonight, and the White House is warning agencies of the potential for large scale reductions in force if the CR fails to pass. 

Without passage of a CR, the federal government will experience a shut down. During a federal government shutdown, federal agencies, the judiciary, and Congress can only spend money on essential services, such as services regarding the safety of human life or protection of property and those activities with funds that carry over from the previous fiscal year (like DOD and certain other defense funds). This impacts most federal employees and agencies. 

Any shutdown of the government for even a short amount of time could negatively impact DOE’s (including EM, NNSA, Office Nuclear Energy, Office of Science, and Legacy Management) vital work and research throughout the complex and at national laboratories. Shutdowns can have dire economic consequences for our communities, including the loss of businesses, jobs, and revenues needed to provide local services. 

If the government shutdown only lasts 1-5 days, then DOE and their contractors' operations (for some programs) would likely not be disrupted. DOE has historically had sufficient previously appropriated funds to support operations during a short-term lapse in appropriations. 

ECA will continue to provide updates on appropriations as they develop. To learn more visit the Federal Budget Tracker on our website.