In Fourth Week, Federal Shutdown Increasingly Hinders Higher Ed

"As the federal government shutdown entered its fourth week Wednesday, some colleges, universities and researchers are feeling the added strain on a system that's faced a string of major disruptions since Donald Trump retook the presidency in January. "What always happens is the longer it goes on, the more impacts you start to see," said Tobin Smith, senior vice president for government relations and public policy at the Association of American Universities."

"Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, said the shutdown means continued financial uncertainty, not just for institutions and researchers-who may struggle with financial planning if grants aren't being renewed, as well as with cash flow-but also for students who rely on Federal Work-Study and other student aid. "It adds to the uncertainty with respect to who gets hired [and] what programs are going to move forward in the next academic year or the next semester, even," she said."

"Senate Democrats are refusing to agree to Republicans' proposed short-term funding bill that would reopen the government but not fulfill Democrats' demands to extend health insurance subsidies and reverse the GOP's Medicaid funding cuts. The funding bill requires 60 votes in the Senate, and the Republican majority stands at 53. In an email to Inside Higher Ed, the Education Department said, "Democrats should vote to fund the government so that Department staff can return to work and provide technical support.""

The federal government shutdown entered its fourth week and is straining colleges, universities, and researchers, compounding disruptions that began in January. Financial uncertainty affects institutions and researchers through delayed or unrenewed grants and cash-flow problems, while students face risks to Federal Work-Study and other aid. Furloughs at the Education Department reduce staff capacity to respond to applicants and enrolled students, which could prompt some to delay enrollment or drop out. A Senate impasse over a short-term funding bill, Medicaid cuts, and subsidy extensions prevents the votes needed to reopen the government. The Education Department urged funding so staff can resume technical support to campuses and students.

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