The historic shutdown of the US government, which shuttered science agencies, halted grant operations and left tens of thousands of federal scientists without paychecks, ended on 12 November after lasting a record-breaking 43 days. A deal approved by Congress and signed by US President Donald Trump funds most government agencies through to 30 January. Science advocates expressed hope that Congress will use the intervening time to finalize research budgets for the 2026 fiscal year — which could help to ward off massive cuts proposed by the Trump administration.

The shutdown began on 1 October due in part to a Congressional dispute over federal spending on health care. Most work ground to a halt, including activities related to the issuing of federal research grants. That work will now restart. Under the terms of the deal, federal scientists will be paid what they would have earned during the furlough, and those who were laid off will be rehired — at least for now.