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Last week, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. 11 of the 12 regular appropriations bills are now enacted for FY26, with the exception of the Homeland Security appropriations bill. The likelihood of a partial government shutdown is high, though we do not anticipate any significant impacts on UW–Madison’s operations.

During the Board of Regents meeting last week, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin shared an update regarding federal research funding changes over the past year.

University leadership and the Office of Federal Relations continue to closely monitor the state of federal funding. At this point, it remains an incredibly fluid situation.

UW–Madison remains committed to keeping our community informed so all can navigate rights, responsibilities and resources related to law and policy.

Yesterday, over 400 business leaders across the country sent a letter to Congress urging them to “sustain funding for the National Science Foundation as a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness.” UW–Madison facilitated the signatures of many Wisconsin industry stakeholders, with the support of Wisconsin Tech Council and gener8tor.

UW–Madison is aware of professional degree reclassifications that are part of the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee’s  proposed federal student-loan changes to implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. These changes could impact federal loan options for students in multiple UW–Madison degree programs. We are awaiting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register will coordinate university comments.

Today marks the 36th day of the federal government shutdown. Most of the university continues to operate normally.  

Due to the government shutdown, FoodShare (often known as SNAP) benefits for November are expected to be delayed. Student Affairs shared resources available for students who depend on SNAP, or need emergency food assistance.

Today marks day 8 of the federal government shutdown. Kurt McMillen, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration and Interim Director for Research and Sponsored Programs, shared a message below with the UW–Madison research community. 

The Department of Education reaffirmed that, at this time, the federal government shutdown will have minimal impacts on Federal Student Aid (FSA).