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Administration officials disclosed the start of federal worker layoffs on the end of the week, following through on prior threats in response to the continuing federal funding lapse, which is now poised to extend into its third consecutive week.

Official Announcement and Early Information

Russell Vought posted on social media that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the government’s process for terminating staff.

Although Vought provided no details on which departments were affected, a treasury spokesperson stated that layoff warnings had been issued within that department. Furthermore, a Department of Homeland Security representative indicated that layoffs would also occur at the CISA. Moreover, a labor organization representing federal workers announced that employees at the Education Department would be affected by the staff cuts.

Union Response and Court Actions

Labor representatives cautions that the terminations would have “devastating effects” on public services relied upon by the public and pledged to challenge the moves in the legal system.

“It is disgraceful that the administration has used the funding lapse as an excuse to illegally fire numerous employees who deliver essential functions to communities nationwide,” said Everett Kelley, who leads the American Federation of Government Employees.

The AFL-CIO reacted to the announcement, declaring, “America’s unions will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Budget Dispute

Congressional Democrats have refused to vote for a GOP-supported bill to reopen the government unless it contains provisions related to health policy. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have put the chamber in recess until next Tuesday, meaning the standoff is unlikely to be resolved before then.

At a press conference, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, blasted Senate Democrats for not supporting the Republican bill, which was approved in the lower chamber on a largely partisan basis.

Federal workers’ final pay that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and reopen the government,” the speaker said. “Starting next week, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups sought a court injunction to block the government from carrying out any reductions in force during the funding gap. Additionally, a court official ordered the government to disclose details on layoff plans, impacted departments, and if any government staff had been recalled to carry out layoffs.

An analysis argued that a funding lapse restricts the ability of the government to conduct terminations, referencing guidance that acknowledged any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

These terminations took place on the same day that government employees got only a partial paycheck covering the final days of September but not the beginning of October, since appropriations lapsed at the start of the month.

A public service advocate, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the political stalemate’s impact on government workers.

“It is wrong to make government staff bear the burden because our leaders in the legislature and the administration have failed to keep our government running,” the advocate stated. The air traffic controllers, VA nurses, smoke jumpers and safety officials are not responsible for this government shutdown.”

A notable point is that members of Congress and top administration officials are continuing to be paid during the shutdown.