“RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation,” OMB memo states.
The White House has instructed federal agencies to prepare “reduction in force” plans if Congress fails to approve a spending bill before October 1, raising the prospect of mass layoffs beyond traditional furloughs.
In a memo obtained by NBC News, the Office of Management and Budget said, “RIF notices will be in addition to any furlough notices provided due to the lapse in appropriation.” The guidance, first reported by Politico, directs agencies to consider job cuts in programs whose discretionary funding lapses and lack alternative funding.
Democrats accused the Trump administration of intimidation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Donald Trump has been firing federal workers since day one—not to govern, but to scare.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called OMB Director Russell Vought “a malignant political hack.”
The standoff comes after the Republican-controlled House passed a short-term funding bill rejected by the Senate. Without agreement, the government could shut down at midnight Tuesday.