The White House budget office on Wednesday indicated mass firings could be on the table in the event of a government shutdown as Congress faces a stalemate on negotiations in the days leading up to the government funding deadline.

A memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reviewed by The Hill indicates that agencies are directed to “use this opportunity to consider reduction in force (RIF) notices for all employees in programs, projects, or activities” under three conditions.

The conditions include discretionary funding lapses on Oct. 1, if another source of funding isn’t available and if the programs, projects, or activities are not “consistent with the president’s priorities.” In order to consider firing, all conditions must be met.

Politico first reported on the memo.

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