The White House is preparing for further “reductions in force” (RIFs), or mass layoffs, of federal workers as the government shutdown reaches its 14th day.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated on Oct. 14 that the White House is “making every preparation to batten down the hatches and ride out the Democrats’ intransigence,” adding, “Pay the troops, pay law enforcement, continue the RIFs, and wait.”
This warning follows the layoff of approximately 4,000 federal workers last Friday. An administration official indicated that the initial round was the first of more planned terminations. Traditionally, nonessential federal employees are furloughed—not fired—during shutdowns and typically receive back pay once the funding measure is passed.
The layoffs have impacted departments including Education, Energy, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Commerce, and the Treasury. The Department of Education saw significant cuts, including the near-total elimination of its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. RELATED: Trump Admin Fires Entire Agency In One Swipe Amid Schumer Shutdown
Two major federal employee unions are challenging the administration’s action in court, arguing the firings violate employees’ rights to back pay and represent an abuse of power.
The announcement on additional layoffs follows President Donald Trump’s weekend statement that funds had been identified to pay military members who were at risk of missing their Oct. 15 paychecks due to the shutdown.
The administration has previously stated the shutdown is being used to advance its goal of shrinking the federal government, while President Trump has consistently blamed congressional Democrats for the ongoing funding impasse.
READ: Gridlock Deepens As Shutdown Nears Record; Military Pay Secured, Federal Layoffs Escalate
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