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Administration officials confirmed the start of government employee terminations on Friday, following through on prior threats linked to the continuing federal funding lapse, which is now poised to extend into its third consecutive week.

Formal Statement and Early Information

Russell Vought wrote on a public platform that “RIFs have begun,” referring to the official procedure for terminating staff.

While Vought did not specify which agencies were impacted, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been issued within that agency. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson noted that layoffs would take place at the CISA. Moreover, a union representing federal workers confirmed that members at the Education Department would be affected by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Legal Challenges

Union leaders cautions that the layoffs would have “severe consequences” on services relied upon by the public and vowed to contest the actions in the legal system.

This is shameful that the government has exploited the funding lapse as an pretext to illegally fire numerous employees who deliver critical services to the public across the country,” stated Everett Kelley, who leads the AFGE.

The largest labor federation in the US reacted to the announcement, saying, “America’s unions will see you in court.”

Political Standoff and Budget Dispute

Lawmakers from the Democratic party have refused to vote for a GOP-supported legislation to reopen the government unless it contains provisions related to health policy. After repeated failed attempts, the GOP leadership in the Senate have adjourned the Senate until next Tuesday, indicating the standoff is unlikely to be resolved before then.

During a press conference, the GOP leader in the House, Mike Johnson, blasted opposition lawmakers for rejecting the Republican bill, which passed in the lower chamber on a near party-line vote.

“This is the last paycheck that 700,000 federal workers will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and end the shutdown,” the speaker stated. “Starting next week, military personnel, who often live paycheck to paycheck, are going to miss a complete payment.”

Judicial and Practical Limits

Last week, labor groups filed for a temporary restraining order to prevent the government from implementing any layoffs during the funding gap. Moreover, a court official ordered the government to disclose details on layoff plans, affected agencies, and whether any federal employees had been recalled to carry out staff reductions.

An analysis argued that a funding lapse limits the authority of the administration to carry out firings, referencing official advice that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been started before the shutdown began.

Consequences for Employees

These terminations took place on the same day that federal workers got only a incomplete payment covering the end of September but not the start of the current month, since appropriations lapsed at the beginning of the month.

A public service advocate, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, criticized the political stalemate’s effect on government workers.

This is unjust to make government staff suffer because our elected officials in the legislature and the administration have failed to keep our government running,” the advocate stated. The air traffic controllers, VA nurses, smoke jumpers and safety officials are not at fault for this funding crisis.”

A notable point is that members of Congress and senior White House leaders are continuing to be paid during the shutdown.