U.S. Government Shutdown Triggers Imminent Mass Layoffs of Federal Workers
The White House has warned that mass layoffs of federal workers are “imminent” and could begin within 48 hours, following the first U.S. government shutdown in nearly seven years.
The shutdown began on Wednesday after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on a new spending plan before Tuesday’s midnight deadline. A vote to end the deadlock collapsed just hours after the shutdown took effect, with little sign of compromise from either side.
The Senate has adjourned until Friday, when lawmakers are expected to make another attempt at resolving the standoff. Until then, hundreds of thousands of federal employees face the risk of furlough, while critical government services may grind to a halt.
Economists warn the shutdown could cost the U.S. billions in lost productivity and economic output if it drags on, adding pressure on both Congress and the Biden administration to break the deadlock.
This shutdown, the longest since 2018–2019 remains fresh in public memory, has already sparked blame-trading on Capitol Hill, with Democrats accusing Republicans of holding the budget “hostage,” while Republicans insist spending reforms are overdue.
