Overview

• An OMB memo instructs agencies to draft reduction-in-force plans for programs losing discretionary funds without alternate sources and not aligned with the president’s priorities.
• The guidance states RIF notices would be issued in addition to furloughs during a funding lapse, breaking from the traditional shutdown approach that relies on temporary furloughs with back pay.
• Democratic leaders denounced the move as intimidation, with Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries rejecting pressure tactics, and the AFGE union urging both parties not to use federal workers as bargaining chips.
• House Republicans passed a short-term “clean” continuing resolution through Nov. 21, the Senate rejected competing measures, and senators return Sept. 29 ahead of the Oct. 1 funding deadline.
• President Trump canceled a planned meeting with Democratic leaders and blamed them for the impasse, as the layoff threat follows reported 2025 workforce reductions nearing 300,000, including about 154,000 buyouts set for Sept. 30.