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Universities tell lawmakers a federal funding pause briefly threatened millions in research and student support
Summary
Officials from Idaho State and Boise State told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that an OMB directive and related federal action briefly raised concerns that tens of millions in federal grants could be at risk; both institutions said courts paused enforcement and they are reviewing impacts.
Leaders from Idaho State University and Boise State told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that guidance issued in Washington and subsequent developments briefly created uncertainty about federal grants that support research, student services and faculty projects.
Why it matters: Federal grants often come with explicit spending restrictions. If significant awards had been curtailed, universities said they could have faced disruptions to research, federal student-support programs and faculty-funded activities.
Idaho State University President Robert Wagner said ISU staff "had more questions than answers" when the guidance first emerged and that the university was tracking potential impacts. Wagner said the institution estimated at one point the exposure could be substantial and emphasized the university would follow federal and state directives as they were clarified.
Marlene Tromp, president of Boise State University, said her administration immediately instructed staff to review potentially affected grants and to work with state budget officials; she emphasized that the university will comply with law and will coordinate with state and national associations to understand impacts.
Kevin Campbell of the Legislative Services Office reviewed budget slides that display federal and tuition funding flows and noted the immediate concern at mid‑day when initial guidance raised the prospect of material impacts. Committee members reported that, to their best knowledge at the time, Pell grants were not affected and that a federal court injunction later paused the guidance, easing the immediate risk.
Both universities told the committee they would provide any necessary follow-up information as details and legal interpretations develop.
Ending: Committee members asked institutions to keep the legislature informed about any material changes to grant-funded programs or to student supports that could affect FY2026 planning.
