Washington Today Congressional Democratic Leaders say they will not be intimated by threat of large-scale federal worker layoffs if government shuts down
Sep 25, 2025
Former U.S. President Donald Trump shares insights on the impending federal shutdown and its implications for border policy, while emphasizing negotiations concerning U.S. military dealings with Turkey. Bo Erickson, a congressional reporter from Reuters, dives into the legal intricacies surrounding mass layoffs during a shutdown and discusses the uncertain state of congressional negotiations. The duo sheds light on the looming crisis and how lawmakers are tackling funding while maneuvering through political tensions.
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OMB Memo Raises The Stakes
- The OMB memo signals a novel escalation: exploring permanent layoffs during a shutdown rather than routine temporary furloughs.
- That raises legal and political stakes to pressure Senate Democrats and reshape bargaining leverage.
Jeffries Rejects Intimidation
- Hakeem Jeffries condemned the OMB memo and vowed Democrats would not be intimidated by what he called extreme administration threats.
- He framed past administration actions as illegal and politically motivated to hurt voters and civil servants.
Contingency Plans Kept Close
- Agencies have kept shutdown contingency plans private this time, compressing logistics into the final days before October 1.
- That secrecy creates a tighter window to determine essential staff and, now, potential RIF targets if a shutdown occurs.