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The White House confirmed the start of government employee layoffs on Friday, following through on prior threats in response to the ongoing federal funding lapse, which is now poised to stretch into its third straight week.

Official Announcement and Initial Details

Russell Vought posted on social media that “RIFs have begun,” indicating the government’s procedure for letting employees go.

While the official provided no details on which departments were affected, a treasury spokesperson confirmed that notices had been distributed within that department. Additionally, a DHS representative noted that staff reductions would also occur at the CISA. Also, a labor organization representing federal workers confirmed that members at the Education Department would be affected by the staff cuts.

Labor Reaction and Court Actions

Labor representatives warned that the layoffs would have “severe consequences” on public services used by millions of Americans and pledged to challenge the moves in the legal system.

“It is disgraceful that the government has exploited the funding lapse as an pretext to wrongfully terminate numerous employees who provide critical services to the public across the country,” said Everett Kelley, representing the American Federation of Government Employees.

The AFL-CIO responded to the news, saying, “Labor organizations will see you in court.”

Legislative Impasse and Funding Battle

Congressional Democrats have declined to vote for a Republican-backed legislation to restore funding unless it contains provisions related to health policy. Following multiple unsuccessful votes, the Senate’s Republican leaders have put the chamber in recess until next Tuesday, indicating the deadlock is not expected to be resolved soon.

At a media briefing, the Republican House speaker, Mike Johnson, criticized Senate Democrats for not supporting the Republican bill, which was approved in the House on a largely partisan basis.

Federal workers’ final pay that government employees will see until Washington Democrats decide to fulfill their duties and reopen the government,” the speaker said. “Starting next week, American service members, who often live on tight budgets, are going to miss a full paycheck.”

Legal and Operational Constraints

Last week, labor groups filed for a temporary restraining order to block the government from implementing any reductions in force during the funding gap. Moreover, a federal judge ordered the administration to provide specifics on layoff plans, impacted departments, and if any government staff had been brought back to execute layoffs.

An analysis contended that a government shutdown limits the ability of the administration to carry out firings, citing guidance that admitted any long-term staff cuts need to have been initiated prior to the funding expired.

Consequences for Employees

The layoffs occurred on the same day that government employees received only a incomplete payment for the end of September but excluding the start of the current month, since appropriations lapsed at the start of the period.

Max Stier, the head of the non-profit Partnership for Public Service, condemned the gridlock’s effect on government workers.

This is unjust to make federal employees suffer because our elected officials in the legislature and the White House have failed to keep our government open and operational,” Stier stated. The air traffic controllers, VA nurses, wildland firefighters and safety officials are not at fault for this government shutdown.”

The irony is that lawmakers and top administration officials are continuing to be paid amid the shutdown.