The ongoing government shutdown leaves UNH faculty, programs, and students with an uncertain road ahead in terms of federal funding for the university. On Oct. 1, 2025, the federal government experienced a shutdown due to Congress's inability to agree on a federal budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The funding bill stalled after the Senate was unable to reach an agreement. Democrats in the Senate demanded the extension of healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act and the reversal of President Donald Trump’s Medicaid cuts. Republicans in the Senate have refused to accept these conditions and Democrats have refused to backdown, resulting in a shutdown that has continued for over two weeks with no projected end in sight. As a result, UNH’s federal funding may be impacted, which could delay specific services and research projects throughout the university.
“We will continue as a university to submit invoices on schedule, but the payment of those invoices, if they’re delayed due to a prolonged shutdown, then that will be a concern on how the university will recover that window where invoices aren’t being paid promptly,” said Jennifer Miksis-Olds, vice president of The Research and Innovation Center said. Research projects at UNH receive federal funding and would be directly impacted in the future if these funds are delayed.
“We have done a pro-active job in communicating with our faculty to reach out to their federal sponsors for guidance,” Miskis-Olds said. Currently, research has been continuing as if a shutdown is not occurring.
Other programs such as FAFSA, study abroad, and Military & Veteran Services are also federally funded. The Military & Veterans Services at UNH predicted a great impact on students if they stop receiving these benefits. This service provides educational benefits, support, advocacy, and other resources for military and veteran students.
“As someone who is directly interacting with people who are impacted by the shutdown, that is tough because they have questions and I don't have answers for that,” Military & Veteran Services Manager Kalyn Ryll said. Veteran and military students receive federal aid directly from the Department of Defense every year in the Spring. It is possible that students may not receive aid in Spring 2026. This would prevent many students in the program from enrolling in classes next semester.
According to Dante Scala, UNH Professor of Political Science, this shutdown is unique due to the Democratic Party’s role in the shutdown. In Scala’s eyes, it’s unusual for the Democrats to prolong the shutdown.
“But for Democrats to do it, Democrats tend to be the pro-government party, and (believe) government’s a good force in the world, Scala said. “I guess it speaks to how dysfunctional our government has become at this point.”
In recent years, Republicans in Congress have been more willing to shut down the government to demand certain changes. The most recent shutdown in 2019 was prompted by Republicans' demand for the funding of a wall on the U.S. and Mexico border. In 2024, two shutdowns were averted after Republicans opposed the bill over its lack of a debt limit increase.
Scala believed an end to the shutdown will not likely come from Senators who hold far-left or right political beliefs, but instead from those with moderate politics.
Regardless of their political affiliation, the public has shown an overall frustration towards Congress for its inability to compromise.
“Can we please take this seriously, figure out what's going on, and get to a point where the government can come back online,” Ryll said.
