Message from NSA Acting Deputy Director Sheila Thomas: Return from Furlough

Colleagues,

We are grateful the Government is now open and are looking forward to having all of our workforce back full time. We missed you!

Now that a budget is passed and signed by the President, employees are expected to return to work on their next scheduled documented duty day or shift. The furlough hotline will be available if you have questions. For those preparing to return to work, we wanted to share some helpful information to keep in mind in your first few days back:

• If you cannot report for duty, please communicate with your supervisor regarding leave options, per normal operations.
• We understand the financial burden the shutdown has placed on many of our employees. The budget team's highest priority is working to ensure you will be paid on the earliest day possible after the lapse ends. This will require am expedient response to timesheet guidance for both furloughed and excepted employees. Guidance on how to complete timesheets for both furloughed and excepted employees will be sent to your Agency email.
• The Federal Benefits Open Season for health, dental, vision, and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) programs is now open and will close on December 8. Information on these programs, including 2026 plans and premiums, is available by visiting https://www.opm.gov/openseason and via normal avenues once back at work. Messaging will also be sent to your Agency email in the coming days after your return.
• Additional information and furlough resources provided during the shutdown will remain available at https://www.nsa.gov/lapse-in-appropriations.

If you have questions or need any assistance in your return, please reach out to your supervisor.

It's clear to the entire NSA leadership team that our people are our greatest strength. Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission, the Nation, and serving your fellow Americans.

Sheila Thomas
NSA Acting Deputy Director