Federal Judge Orders NASA to Use House Budget, Averting Potential Shutdown

NASA Told to Use House Budget as Shutdown Looms A federal judge has ordered NASA to use the House budget as a guide for its fiscal year 2026 spending plan, potentially averting a government shutdown that would have severely impacted the agency's science missions. The ruling came after a group of lawmakers and scientists filed a lawsuit against the White House, arguing that the president's proposed cuts to NASA's budget were arbitrary and unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg agreed with the plaintiffs, stating that the House budget "provides a more reasonable and balanced approach" to funding NASA. "We are pleased that the court has recognized the importance of preserving NASA's science missions," said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), chair of the House Science Committee. "This is a victory for the American people, who benefit from the groundbreaking research and exploration conducted by NASA." The White House had proposed significant cuts to NASA's budget as part of its fiscal year 2026 budget request, which was met with opposition from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The Senate has also proposed its own budget template, but Congress has yet to pass a final budget. In preparation for a potential shutdown, NASA had directed science mission leaders to prepare "closeout plans" for about two dozen spacecraft that were targeted for cancellation under the president's budget request. However, with the court's ruling, those plans are now on hold. "This is a temporary reprieve, but we still need a final budget passed by Congress," said Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), ranking member of the House Science Committee. "We must continue to work towards passing a responsible and balanced budget that supports NASA's critical missions." The court's ruling does not guarantee that NASA will receive its full funding request, but it does provide a framework for the agency to operate under until a final budget is passed. As the new fiscal year approaches on October 1, lawmakers are working to pass a "continuing resolution" to fund the government in the short term. If a shutdown occurs, it would be the first since 2019 and would have significant implications for NASA's science missions. The situation remains fluid, with both parties continuing to negotiate over the final budget. However, for now, NASA can breathe a sigh of relief as its science missions are spared from potential cancellation. Background: The White House proposed a fiscal year 2026 budget request that included significant cuts to NASA's budget. The Senate has proposed its own budget template, but Congress has yet to pass a final budget. NASA had directed science mission leaders to prepare "closeout plans" for about two dozen spacecraft targeted for cancellation under the president's budget request. Additional Perspectives: Rep. Johnson: "This is a victory for the American people, who benefit from the groundbreaking research and exploration conducted by NASA." Rep. Lucas: "We must continue to work towards passing a responsible and balanced budget that supports NASA's critical missions." Current Status and Next Developments: The court's ruling does not guarantee that NASA will receive its full funding request. Lawmakers are working to pass a "continuing resolution" to fund the government in the short term. If a shutdown occurs, it would be the first since 2019 and would have significant implications for NASA's science missions. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*