OMB, DHS Give Guidance on Possible Shutdown
Government agencies should be updating plans for operations in the absence of appropriations, but Congress can still prevent a government shutdown before the Oct. 1 outset of Fiscal Year 2014, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Burwell said in a memo to agency leaders (here) dated Sept. 17. Those plans (here) involve preparation for orderly shutdown in both the short-term, one to five day period, and the long term. Congressional leaders on Sept. 25 continued to conflict over stopgap funding legislation (see 13092501).
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“Agency leaders should ensure that only those activities that are "excepted" pursuant to applicable legal requirements would continue to be performed during a lapse in the appropriation for those activities,” said Burwell. The agency leaders must also determine which agency employees are necessary to perform those “excepted” functions, she said.
The Department of Homeland Security also gave some guidance to employees, including CBP, on the possibility of a shutdown. “Prudent management requires that we be prepared for all contingencies, including the possibility of a government hiatus,” said DHS Under Secretary for Management Rafael Borras. “If funding lapses on October 1, many government activities will cease because they no longer have the authority to incur further financial obligations, except those necessary to suspend operations. Employees who are associated with those activities would be temporarily furloughed.” CBP declined to comment.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy DHS letter to employees.