WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House budget office announced on Friday that mass firings of federal workers have commenced as part of an effort to increase pressure on Democratic lawmakers amidst the ongoing government shutdown. Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), announced on the social media platform X that the “RIFs have begun,” referring to reduction-in-force plans aimed at decreasing the federal workforce.
A spokesperson for the budget office stated that the reductions are “substantial” but did not provide further immediate details regarding the specific numbers or the impacted departments. Prior to the onset of the government shutdown, which began on October 1, the White House had indicated plans to adopt aggressive layoff measures, instructing all federal agencies to submit their reduction-in-force plans for review by the budget office. According to the White House, these layoffs could target federal programs that face funding lapses due to the shutdown, programs that are otherwise unfunded, and those that do not align with the President’s priorities.
This strategy marks a significant departure from typical government shutdown practices, where federal employees are usually placed on furlough but return to their positions after the shutdown is resolved. The current climate indicates a potential escalation in tactics as both parties remain entrenched in their positions, with significant ramifications for federal workers.
On Friday, the 10th day of the shutdown, the atmosphere in the Capitol was markedly quiet, as both the House and the Senate were not in session. The continued stalemate has led both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to engage in a lengthy standoff, with Senate Republicans struggling to persuade hesitant Democrats to support a temporary bill aimed at reopening the government. Democrats have remained firm in their stance, demanding a solid commitment to extend health care benefits before they agree to any terms for ending the shutdown.
Indications suggest that high-ranking leaders from both parties are not engaged in meaningful discussions to resolve the impasse. Instead, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been focusing on courting centrist Democrats, hoping to sway them into crossing party lines as the impacts of the shutdown become increasingly dire. During a press conference, Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, criticized Democratic lawmakers, stating, “It’s time for them to get a backbone.” This statement highlights the growing frustration among Republican leadership as they work to navigate the complex dynamics of this protracted shutdown.
The present situation reflects a broader trend of increasing polarization in U.S. politics, whereby both parties are finding it challenging to reach a consensus on critical issues, especially when it comes to budgetary commitments and funding priorities. With workers facing uncertain futures and the implications of the ongoing shutdown unfolding, the pressure is building on lawmakers to negotiate a resolution.
