Russ Vought Announces Federal Layoffs Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON – As the U.S. government enters its 10th day of shutdown, Russ Vought, the budget chief under former President Donald Trump, announced via social media that layoffs of federal workers have commenced.

This announcement follows a growing crisis as federal employees face uncertainty amid a lack of funding and crucial negotiations between Senate Republicans and Democrats. Vought didn’t specify the number of layoffs but stated, “reductions in force have begun” on his social media account.

Furthermore, a federal judge is slated to hear arguments later today about the legality of these layoffs during the shutdown. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents many federal workers, has filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s authority to proceed with layoffs in this situation.

AFGE President Everett Kelley stated, “These cuts will devastate thousands of families across America, and we will continue to fight against these unlawful layoffs.” The union believes that these reduction measures have been politically motivated, aimed at weakening government services.

The ramifications of the shutdown are already being felt across the country, as federal workers begin to receive partial paychecks due to the government’s inability to pass a budget. House Speaker Mike Johnson has publicly blamed Democrats for the funding impasse, asserting that they are stalling progress in Congress.

Johnson mentioned, “We have done the work we need to do in the House. It is time for Senate Democrats to reengage and turn the lights back on.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among Republicans about the ongoing deadlock.

With negotiations stalled and no clear resolution in sight, federal employees and their families continue to brace for the financial and emotional hardships introduced by the government shutdown. As the legal battle over layoffs unfolds, many are left wondering what the future will hold.

In related news, the ongoing situation has heightened calls for bipartisan efforts to resolve budget disagreements and restore funding to essential government services.