FDA staff return to work, but threat of second shutdown looms
FDA staff returned to paid work on Monday after the longest government shutdown in US history. However, with funding set to lapse February 15 and President Trump skeptical a deal can be reached, the agency could be shut down again in less than three weeks.
Trump signed a temporary funding bill late last week, enabling furloughed staff to return to work. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is working to get back pay to staff by the end of the month and to ensure the agency can return to normal as soon as possible.
The deal that ended the shutdown will fund the government until February 15. To avoid a second shutdown, politicians will need to pass a new deal and get it signed by Trump.
