Message from the Acting Administrator – Government Shutdown Impacts to NASA

Saturday, January 20, 2018
 
Government Shutdown Impacts to NASA
Acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot
 
As you know, there has been a lapse in government funding leading to a government shutdown. While all employees should report to work as they usually would Monday for an orderly closeout, I wanted to share some information with you.
 
Under a lapse in funding, our actions and decisions about what operations continue are governed by legal opinions issued by the attorney general and the Office of Legal Counsel of the Department of Justice.
 
In consultation with our Office of General Counsel, we have worked to determine which of our activities may continue under these legal requirements. Similarly, we have worked to determine which employees would continue to report to work in the event of a lapse in funding, and which employees would be placed on furlough.
 
The categorization of employees and whether or not someone is furloughed is not a reflection on the quality of their work, nor of their importance to our agency.  It is merely a reflection of the legal requirements under which we must operate during a shutdown. Tomorrow, look for an email update from Human Capital Management Assistant Administrator Bob Gibbs that provides additional information for you, outlines steps being taken for an orderly closeout of your activities, and where to find additional information regarding the shutdown until a funding measure is passed by Congress and signed by the President.
 
I am very aware that the uncertainty of the current circumstances puts our workforce in a difficult situation, and a furlough imposes hardships on many employees as well as the people we serve every day.  We will do our best to support you throughout this period. I am deeply disappointed we have reached this point and the impact it has on each of you. Please know I greatly appreciate your hard work, dedication, and patience through this process, and for your continued service to NASA, the nation, and the American people.
 
Robert