The White House is directing federal agencies to prepare for potential workforce reductions should a government shutdown occur next week.
According to a memo released by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), agencies should assess the possibility of a “reduction in force” for programs lacking funding or deemed inconsistent with the President’s goals. This measure goes further than previous shutdowns, where non-essential workers were temporarily furloughed.
A reduction in force involves eliminating positions entirely, potentially causing significant upheaval within the federal workforce, which has already experienced cuts due to efficiency initiatives.
The OMB memo emphasizes the need for agencies to revise their plans after any potential shutdown, focusing on retaining only the minimal number of employees required to fulfill legal obligations.
This directive intensifies the stakes of a potential shutdown and puts pressure on Democrat leaders in Congress. They are resisting a straightforward funding bill proposed by the President and Republicans, which would maintain government operations for several weeks. The Democrats are demanding changes related to healthcare in exchange for their support.
The OMB memo highlights that Democrats are refusing to back a clean funding bill due to their “partisan demands,” including extending health insurance subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts from the Republican tax law.
The memo asserts the importance of being prepared for a shutdown, given the Democrats’ stance. It also points out that the GOP’s tax and border spending package provides ample resources to sustain core White House priorities.
The OMB has requested that all agencies submit their shutdown contingency plans, underscoring the administration’s commitment to responsible governance and fiscal prudence.
