Democrats dismiss White House layoff threat as "intimidation" tactic as shutdown nears

Washington — Democratic leaders in Congress on Thursday dismissed the White House's recent threat that a government shutdown could spur large-scale layoffs of the federal workforce as "intimidation," standing firm in their position ahead of the Oct. 1 funding deadline.

The White House's Office of Management and Budget sent a memo to federal agencies on Wednesday telling them to consider reduction-in-force notices, or layoffs, for employees in programs, projects or activities that received discretionary funding. The RIF notices would come in addition to any furlough notices directing federal workers to stay home from work without pay if Congress fails to extend government funding by the deadline.

Democrats in Congress framed the move as an intimidation tactic by the White House and O