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The White House is laying the groundwork for mass layoffs within the federal government in the event of a government shutdown Wednesday.

The White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo to federal agencies late Thursday ordering them to draw up preparations for a reduction-in-force if there is a lapse in appropriations — and put the onus on Democrats if a stopgap spending measure fails to pass in Congress to keep the government open.

While federal employees typically are furloughed during government shutdowns, the Trump administration’s plans would permanently scale back the size of the federal workforce if a government shutdown occurs.

SCHUMER, DEMOCRATS FACE HEAT FOR SHIFTING STANCE ON GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN THREAT

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