Russ Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced substantial layoffs of federal workers this week amid a government shutdown. According to LAist reports, Vought posted on X that the reduction-in-force notices, or RIFs, have begun, affecting thousands across agencies. An Office of Management and Budget spokesperson confirmed to NPR the process is underway and substantial, though exact numbers remain fluid. The Department of Health and Human Services faces 1,100 to 1,200 layoffs, with spokesperson Andrew Nixon calling affected employees non-essential due to the shutdown caused by Democrats. The Department of Education will cut 466 staff, drawing criticism from American Federation of Government Employees Local 252 president Rachel Gittleman, who accused the administration of illegally dismantling the agency. Other impacts include 315 at Commerce, 187 at Energy, and 176 at Homeland Security. This move responds to a court order in a union lawsuit challenging shutdown-related firings. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston demanded details on planned RIFs, with a hearing set for next Wednesday. Unions argue the administration violates laws by using the shutdown to shrink bureaucracy. Vought's actions align with his Project 2025 role, where he pushed to unwind climate initiatives. LAist notes the administration asked NASA to plan ending carbon dioxide satellite missions despite congressional funding through September 2025. Democrats warned acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy that Office of Management and Budget oversteps by halting appropriated funds. President Trump praised the effort, blaming Democrats and promising more cuts. Senator Susan Collins opposed permanent layoffs of furloughed workers, calling their service vital. These developments highlight ongoing tensions over federal workforce size during the shutdown. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Please subscribe for more updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
