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Rabat – Washington is on its 11th day of a federal-wide government shutdown.
The shutdown was a result of fiscal disagreement and stalemate – or “lapse in appropriations” – in Congress in late September. While Republicans sought to extend a funding bill that maintained existing spending levels and slightly increased security spending, Democrats refused to vote in agreement unless the bill’s extension included Affordable Care Act funds.
Although both chambers of Congress are under Republican majority, the Senate – the federal legislative ‘workshop’ where bills and legislation are often debated or refined, and typically must reach bipartisan agreement – was short 60 votes on the funding extension.
The federal government shutdown began October 1, halting public services that are deemed nonessential and funded by the federal government both at home and abroad.
Essential federal workers such as medical, military, law enforcement, and emergency service personnel are required to work without pay, though they are promised compensation once the government is up and running again.
However, there is speculation if these essential employees will receive compensation when the shutdown ends.
‘The RIFs have begun’
White House Office and Management Director Russel Vought posted on X on Friday, “The RIFs have begun,” meaning “reductions in force.” Later that same day, the process of laying off nearly 4,000 federal employees was in effect, although federal workers must receive a 30-day notice according to federal law.
According to Reuters’ reports, departments most affected by the layoffs are the Treasury Department (1,500 layoffs), the US Health Agency, the Internal Revenue Service (1,300), and the departments of education, commerce, and Homeland Security’s cybersecurity division (176).
The Health and Human Services Department was hit the hardest, reportedly losing 1,200 employees.
Trump guts Washington, Democrats Utilize Shutdown
The resulting shutdown serves as both a negotiating tool for Democrats, but also a ground for the current administration to pursue its objectives in the capital and pin the blame on Democrats.
Trump’s campaign to gut Washington of excess spending and personnel flourishes under the current shutdown.
Federal Workers’ Unions responded swiftly to the layoffs, appealing to a federal judge to intervene and halt the – what they describe as – illegal layoffs, claiming the White House has no legal authority to initiate these layoffs.
Thousands of federal employees are furloughed and many continue to work without pay, including military, emergency service, and medical personnel who are notoriously underpaid in the first place, while high-level politicians – Democrat and Republican lawmakers alike – continue to be paid a six-figure salary.
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