News
September 26, 2025
White House budget office tells agencies to draft mass firing plans ahead of potential shutdown
The White House is telling agencies to prepare large-scale firings of federal workers if the government shuts down next week. In a memo released Wednesday night, the Office of Management and Budget said agencies should consider a reduction in force...
Washington D.C. – Federal agencies are bracing for potential widespread layoffs as the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has instructed them to draft plans for significant workforce reductions in the event of a government shutdown next week. The memo, released Wednesday evening, signals a heightened level of concern within the administration regarding the looming deadline to reach a budget agreement.
The OMB directive specifically instructs agencies to consider implementing a "reduction in force," often referred to as a RIF, should a shutdown occur. This mechanism allows agencies to temporarily or permanently lay off employees due to lack of funding or work. While government shutdowns have become relatively frequent in recent years, the explicit call to prepare for mass firings underscores the potential severity of the upcoming budgetary impasse.
The memo has sparked anxiety among federal employees, who face the uncertainty of potential job losses alongside the disruption of government services. The impact of a large-scale RIF could be far-reaching, affecting not only the livelihoods of federal workers and their families, but also the efficiency and effectiveness of numerous government programs and services relied upon by the public.
While the OMB memo details the necessity of preparing for potential layoffs, it does not specify which agencies or departments would be most affected. However, agencies deemed non-essential are typically the first to face furloughs or layoffs during a shutdown. These often include agencies involved in scientific research, environmental protection, and certain aspects of law enforcement, among others. Essential personnel, such as those involved in national security or public safety, are generally expected to continue working, though they may face delayed paychecks.
The directive from the OMB serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to reach a budget agreement before the deadline. With negotiations ongoing, the possibility of a shutdown and the resulting workforce reductions remain a significant concern for federal employees and the wider public. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether lawmakers can avert a crisis and prevent the disruption of government operations.
The OMB directive specifically instructs agencies to consider implementing a "reduction in force," often referred to as a RIF, should a shutdown occur. This mechanism allows agencies to temporarily or permanently lay off employees due to lack of funding or work. While government shutdowns have become relatively frequent in recent years, the explicit call to prepare for mass firings underscores the potential severity of the upcoming budgetary impasse.
The memo has sparked anxiety among federal employees, who face the uncertainty of potential job losses alongside the disruption of government services. The impact of a large-scale RIF could be far-reaching, affecting not only the livelihoods of federal workers and their families, but also the efficiency and effectiveness of numerous government programs and services relied upon by the public.
While the OMB memo details the necessity of preparing for potential layoffs, it does not specify which agencies or departments would be most affected. However, agencies deemed non-essential are typically the first to face furloughs or layoffs during a shutdown. These often include agencies involved in scientific research, environmental protection, and certain aspects of law enforcement, among others. Essential personnel, such as those involved in national security or public safety, are generally expected to continue working, though they may face delayed paychecks.
The directive from the OMB serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to reach a budget agreement before the deadline. With negotiations ongoing, the possibility of a shutdown and the resulting workforce reductions remain a significant concern for federal employees and the wider public. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether lawmakers can avert a crisis and prevent the disruption of government operations.
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Politics