What’s at Stake for NASA If Government Shuts Down

Office of Management and Budget directs federal agencies to draft plans for layoffs in the event of a shutdown.

Jack Daleo

Friday, September 26, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

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Jack Daleo

Near NASA’s Mary W. Jackson headquarters in Washington, D.C., some lawmakers are pushing for a measure that would protect NASA employees during a government shutdown. [Courtesy: NASA/Joel Kowsky]

Key Takeaways:

NASA faces a significant threat of permanent workforce reductions (RIFs) due to a potential government shutdown, as the White House mandates agencies prepare for layoffs if funding isn't secured by October 1.
The President's Budget Request for FY26 proposes a 25% cut to NASA's overall funding and a one-third reduction in its workforce, while increasing funding for Mars exploration at the expense of a 47% cut to science missions.
Widespread opposition from lawmakers, unions, and space advocacy groups is pushing for a continuing resolution with protective language to safeguard NASA's funding, jobs, and science missions, especially as the White House also moves to strip the agency's collective bargaining rights.

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Amid a looming government shutdown, NASA’s future hinges on whether Congress can pass a stopgap funding measure with protective language for the agency.

On Wednesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) moved to permanently axe federal employees—breaking from the precedent of issuing temporary furloughs—in the event of a shutdown. In a memo, OMB directed agencies to draft reductions in force (RIFs) for programs, projects, or activities that would lose discretionary funding on October 1, the start of fiscal year 2026 (FY26) and the deadline to fund the government.