White House Directs Agencies to Draft Mass Firing Plans for Shutdown
In an escalation of a potential US government shutdown, the White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass firings, not just temporary furloughs. The memo directs agencies to plan for a 'reduction in force' for programs whose funding would lapse. This aggressive tactic raises the stakes in the ongoing budget standoff in Washington, marking a significant departure from how previous shutdowns have been handled and creating deep uncertainty for the federal workforce.
Unpacked:
A 'reduction in force' involves permanent layoffs, while furloughs are temporary unpaid leaves. Previous shutdowns mainly relied on furloughs, allowing employees to return when funding resumed. This new approach makes job losses permanent, marking a significant shift in handling shutdowns.
Employees in agencies whose programs lose funding, especially those not deemed essential for public safety or not funded by alternate sources, would be most at risk. Agencies like NASA, the Education Department, and EPA typically furlough or could lay off the majority of their workforce.
Previous shutdowns led to furloughs for hundreds of thousands of employees, delayed pay, and suspended services. Families of workers faced financial uncertainty, and federal contractors also experienced layoffs or reduced work. Permanent firings could have deeper economic and personal impacts.
The OMB’s directive reflects heightened tensions in the current budget standoff, aiming to pressure lawmakers by escalating consequences. This approach departs from prior norms, possibly due to protracted negotiations and a desire to force a resolution.