White House Preps for Potential Mass Firings Amid Shutdown Threat

The White House has issued a directive to federal agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event of a government shutdown next week, a shift from the usual temporary furloughs seen in past shutdowns.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) sent a memo instructing agencies to pinpoint programs and projects that would lose funding on October 1 if Congress does not pass legislation to maintain government operations.

This memo suggests agencies submit reduction-in-force plans and notify employees, highlighting the high stakes in political negotiations over federal spending.

(With inputs from agencies.)