Washington, D.C. — In a dramatic escalation of the government shutdown, the White House confirmed that mass layoffs of federal employees began today, departing from the standard furlough model. Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought announced via social media, “The RIFs have begun,” referring to reductions in force.
Multiple agencies have since acknowledged distributing layoff notices. The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that nonessential employees in several divisions have received RIF notices, citing budget constraints from the shutdown. The Department of Education similarly acknowledged that some positions would be affected. The Department of Homeland Security named its cybersecurity arm, CISA, among the first to be hit.
The move represents a significant departure from prior shutdown responses, which typically led to furloughs rather than terminations. While no precise numbers have been released, the White House characterized the cuts as “substantial.”
Labor unions have swiftly filed lawsuits seeking to block the layoffs, arguing that terminations during a funding lapse may violate federal statutes. Meanwhile, a court hearing is scheduled for October 16 to address the unions’ request for a restraining order.
With the shutdown now in its tenth day, lawmakers remain deadlocked over how to resume funding. Democrats refuse to back a stopgap measure that omits restoration of Affordable Care Act premium support, while Republicans argue they will not negotiate until the government reopens.
If the shutdown continues, more RIFs may follow — deepening the uncertainty surrounding federal operations and the livelihoods of tens of thousands of government workers.
Sources:
Reuters
AP News
TIME
Politico
Fed News Network
Government Executive
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