Overview

• An OMB memo instructs federal agencies to prepare reduction‑in‑force plans that could permanently eliminate jobs if funding lapses at the start of the fiscal year.
• Agencies are told to target programs that will lose discretionary funds, lack alternative financing, and are deemed not consistent with the president’s priorities, and to submit plans and notify employees.
• An OMB official said core operations such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, military missions, law enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and air traffic control would continue.
• Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries condemned the guidance as intimidation, unions urged a deal, and President Trump canceled a planned meeting with them as he blamed Democrats for the standoff.
• The House passed a short‑term funding bill through Nov. 21; the Senate returns Sept. 29, and a shutdown remains possible at midnight Oct. 1 without an agreement.