'Not consistent with President's priorities': White House prepares for mass federal worker layoffs; stares at potential shutdown

The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare for large-scale firings of employees if the government shuts down next week, a move that marks a more aggressive approach than in previous shutdowns. In a memo released Wednesday night, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) said agencies should plan for a reduction in force for federal programs whose funding would lapse, are not otherwise funded, and are “not consistent with the President's priorities.” Unlike typical shutdowns where non-essential workers are furloughed but later reinstated, a reduction in force would permanently eliminate positions, intensifying disruption to a federal workforce already affected by major cuts this year. The memo directs agencies to revise their plans once a shutdown ends to “retain the min