[All_staff] Message from Hugh Montgomery: Update on Lapse of Government Funding

[Pat Stroop]

Dear Colleagues,

The lapse in funding of the U.S. government is quite naturally a subject 
of much discussion and rumor. This note is an update of what we know.

We began the new fiscal year with carryover funds from Fiscal Year 2013, 
and we have implemented austerity so as to maintain operations for the 
near future. Over the past two days, there have been discussions with 
the Department of Energy about the funding available, which now will 
allow us to extend the period during which we can maintain payroll.

Eventually, if the government shutdown continues, it may be necessary to 
place most of us on furlough. Those on furlough would go without pay 
until the furlough ends.

We continue to operate in a mode of severe austerity.  So, please do 
everything you can to keep all spending at a minimum.

When I have more concrete information, I will share it with you. In the 
meantime, I am confident that I can count on you to remain fully 
committed to our mission, and to stay focused on delivering our research 
safely and efficiently.

Thank you for your hard work and understanding during this difficult period.

Regards,
Hugh Montgomery