Overview

• OMB confirmed guidance telling federal agencies to identify programs without statutory obligations, submit staff-reduction plans, and notify employees.
• The directive signals potential permanent cuts that go beyond the temporary furloughs typical in past shutdowns.
• Politico first published the OMB memo, making the planning public days before funding expires.
• Republicans hold chamber majorities yet need at least seven Democratic votes in the Senate to pass a funding measure.
• Democrats are pushing to protect health-care programs as they reject a GOP stopgap bill, raising the risk of closures at parks, museums, transit and other services while essential operations continue.