Preparations for Potential Long-Term Firing During Government Shutdown

The Biden administration is instructing federal agencies to prepare for extensive layoffs in the event the government partially shuts down after September 30.

A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) emphasizes the possibility of permanently firing employees in programs that are not legally required to operate during a shutdown. The memo underscores the urgency for agencies to plan for such measures, especially if opposition Democrats pursue a shutdown.

Security barriers being adjusted in front of the Capitol building — The White House has advised agencies to prepare for significant layoffs amid a potential government shutdown.

Agency officials are instructed to revise their Reduction in Force (RIF) plans once fiscal year 2026 appropriations are approved, ensuring only the minimum number of employees needed for statutory functions remain. All proposed RIF plans must be submitted for review.

The memo indicates that the administration aims to make a shutdown as politically damaging for Democrats as possible. Democratic leaders criticized the memo, asserting it is an intimidation tactic.

“We will not be intimidated,” stated House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, reaffirming that Democrats will not be affected by threats of mass firings.

Leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries speaking at a news conference — Democratic leaders dismissed the memo as intimidation, vowing not to be coerced.

Typically, during partial shutdowns, non-essential federal workers are furloughed and return once the shutdown ends. However, the memo suggests the possibility of permanent termination, which is a departure from usual procedures.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the administration’s plans, alleging they aim to intimidate and scare federal workers, emphasizing that such firings are likely to be overturned in court or reversed once the shutdown concludes.

The author of the memo, Russ Vought, indicated that agencies should adjust their staffing plans accordingly, with a focus on statutory duties, and submit any RIF plans to the Office of Management and Budget for approval.

Recent efforts in Congress to prevent a shutdown failed, with House Republicans passing a temporary measure that failed in the Senate. Discussions about funding continue amid the uncertainty, with key leaders weighing options.