WASHINGTON – The White House is asking federal agencies to prepare plans for mass firings if the government partially shuts down next week , the latest clash in the high-stakes confrontation between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats.

Federal workers have been paid traditionally after temporary furloughs while Congress resolves funding disputes. But with no solution in sight and a partial shutdown looming Oct. 1, the Office of Management and Budget outlined this harsher approach.

"Programs that did not benefit from an infusion of mandatory appropriations will bear the brunt of a shutdown," the memo said.

House Republicans approved legislation on Sept. 19 that aimed to extend current funding until Nov. 21. The goal was to give lawmakers more time to approve funding l

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