Overview

• The OMB memo tells agencies to flag programs that lose funding after Sept. 30 and to prepare drastic personnel cuts that could permanently eliminate jobs deemed inconsistent with President Trump’s priorities.
• OMB wrote that it hopes Democrats do not trigger a shutdown and said it wants a clean short-term extension, with some reports citing Nov. 21 as the target date for the stopgap.
• AFP reported agencies were urged to plan for workforce reductions of up to 40% and to consider issuing Reduction in Force notices, and Politico first detailed the memo.
• Democratic leaders blasted the move, with Chuck Schumer calling it an attempt to intimidate and Hakeem Jeffries rejecting the threat after Trump canceled a meeting with Democrats.
• The House has passed a short-term funding bill, but Senate Republicans need several Democratic votes, as Democrats push for concessions including an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.