OMB Issues Update Narrowing Scope Of Federal Program Pause

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued an updated Memorandum clarifying the scope of the pause on federal programs issued last night, substantially narrowing it. The updated guidance specifies that the pause "is expressly limited to programs, projects, and activities implicated by the President's Executive Orders, such as ending DEI, the green new deal, and funding nongovernmental organizations that undermine the national interest."

OMB further states the pause is not an impoundment, that is, the Administration is not refusing to spend the appropriated funds, and more importantly, it specifically states that the pause does not apply to: