Overview

• Federal agencies were told to identify functions without legal obligations and staff for possible permanent elimination if funding lapses on Sept. 30.
• OMB said it has received contingency plans from many, but not all, agencies and the memo has not been posted publicly.
• The guidance indicates essential operations such as Social Security, law enforcement, and air traffic control would continue as thousands risk going unpaid.
• OMB Director Russ Vought cast permanent reductions as leverage in the budget fight, while Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called the move intimidation.
• Politico first reported details of the directive, and White House and OMB spokespeople declined to comment.