As the government shutdown continues, Vice President JD Vance has stated that deeper cuts to the federal workforce may be necessary. This comes as hundreds of thousands of federal employees are already facing unpaid leave due to the ongoing disagreement in Congress.
Vance noted that while the administration is working to ensure the military is paid and essential services for low-income Americans, like food assistance, are maintained, further cuts could be “painful.” The Office of Management and Budget has indicated that thousands of federal employees could face termination.
The shutdown, now in its twelfth day, began after disagreements over funding measures. Some believe certain Democrats are unwilling to compromise and are prolonging the shutdown for political gain. Speaker Mike Johnson has accused them of prioritizing a partisan fight over finding common ground.
While negotiations remain stalled, the administration seems firm in its resolve to address government spending. Vance emphasized the difficult choices being made, stating it’s a matter of prioritizing essential services like military pay and food benefits over paying federal employees who aren’t providing essential support.
Critics argue these actions are unnecessary and harmful. However, the administration maintains that responsible fiscal decisions must be made, even if they require difficult choices about the size and scope of the federal workforce.
