Mass layoffs of US federal workers will begin within two days, the White House says, as lawmakers trade blame over the first government shutdown in almost seven years.
The shutdown began on Wednesday after Republicans and Democrats in Congress failed to agree on a new spending plan before the midnight deadline. There is little sign that either side is willing to compromise, and a vote to end the shutdown failed just hours after it began.
The Senate has since adjourned, raising fears that the shutdown could drag on and threaten hundreds of thousands of jobs as well as risk costing the US economy billions in lost output.
During a White House briefing, Vice-President JD Vance accused Democrats of playing political games, stating, If they are so worried about the effect this is having on the American people, what they should do is reopen the government, not complain about how we respond. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that mass job cuts would happen soon, blaming Democrats for the deadlock.
The shutdown stems from unresolved issues surrounding healthcare funding and spending practices. While Republicans argue for preventing government closure, Democrats aim to secure guarantees for healthcare benefits before entering an agreement. The ideological rift remains significant, with analysts predicting this shutdown could greatly exceed the one encountered in 2018.
As the clock ticks, the prospect of permanent layoffs looms large. Essential workers, including military personnel, may continue to work without pay, while non-essential employees face unpaid leave. There seems to be no immediate resolution in sight, leading to an uncertain future for federal employment amidst an already fragile economy.
