NASA Directed to Use House Budget Amid Government Shutdown Threat

NASA Told to Use House Budget as Shutdown Looms The White House has instructed NASA to use the budget proposed by the House of Representatives for fiscal year 2026, a move that could potentially prevent a government shutdown. The decision comes as Congress struggles to pass a final budget, with a new fiscal year set to begin on October 1. According to sources familiar with the matter, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson was informed of the White House's directive earlier this week. "We're following the guidance we've received from the White House," Nelson said in a statement. "Our priority remains ensuring that our science missions continue uninterrupted." The move is seen as a victory for scientists and researchers who had been concerned about the potential impact of a government shutdown on NASA's budget and operations. The House budget proposal includes funding for many of the agency's key programs, including the Artemis lunar exploration mission. However, some lawmakers have expressed concerns that using the House budget could be seen as an overreach by the White House. "We need to pass a final budget, not just use one chamber's proposal," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), chair of the House Appropriations Committee. "This is a Band-Aid solution that doesn't address the underlying issues." The situation with the fiscal year 2026 budget for the United States has been marked by delays and uncertainty. The White House proposed a budget earlier this year with significant cuts for many agencies, including NASA. In response, both the House and Senate have proposed their own budget templates. As the new fiscal year approaches, lawmakers are scrambling to pass a "continuing resolution" to fund the government before a final budget is passed. However, the prospects of such a measure passing remain uncertain. The use of the House budget proposal by NASA has been met with relief from some quarters, but others see it as a temporary fix that doesn't address the underlying issues. As one scientist noted, "A shutdown would have had devastating consequences for our research and operations. But this decision is just a Band-Aid solution – we need a real budget to move forward." The situation remains fluid, with lawmakers continuing to negotiate over the final budget. For now, NASA will proceed with using the House budget proposal as guidance for its fiscal year 2026 plans. Background: The White House proposed a budget earlier this year that included significant cuts for many agencies, including NASA. In response, both the House and Senate have proposed their own budget templates. A government shutdown appears increasingly likely unless a final budget is passed or a continuing resolution is enacted. Additional perspectives: Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee: "We need to pass a real budget that addresses the needs of our nation, not just use one chamber's proposal as a temporary fix." Dr. Maria Zuber, chair of the NASA Advisory Council: "This decision is a welcome relief for our research community, but we still need a final budget to ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs." Current status and next developments: The House and Senate are continuing to negotiate over the final budget. A government shutdown appears increasingly likely unless a final budget is passed or a continuing resolution is enacted. NASA will proceed with using the House budget proposal as guidance for its fiscal year 2026 plans. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*