This isn’t the first time the US Government has shut down because lawmakers have been unable to pass a funding bill. The longest shutdown was 35 days and came in 2018-2019. There was also a 21-day shutdown in 1995-1996.

Unfortunately, the political pundits are not expecting Congress to reach a compromise on the stopgap funding bill anytime soon. They also warn that this shutdown is different than those in the past because this time the Office of Budget and Management has issued a memo advising agencies to consider permanent reduction of force instead of temporary furloughs.

The OBM memo reads in part, “agencies are directed to use this opportunity to consider Reduction in Force (RIF) notices for all employees in programs, projects, or activities (PPAs) that satisfy all three of the following conditions: (1) discretionary funding lapses on October 1, 2025; (2) another source of funding, such as H.R. 1 (Public Law 119-21) is not currently available; and (3) the PPA is not consistent with the President’s priorities.”

What Does This Mean?

In the coming days we will begin learning if agencies are issuing Temporary Furloughs or Reduction in Force notices, but agency contingency plans give us an idea of what to expect. 

The Federal News Network offers a solid summary HERE. Politico offers an excellent overview HERE of how the government shutdown will impact the key services, activities, and staffing. 

You can access specific agency contingency plans through the following links: 

• Health and Human Services
  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  • Health Resources Services Administration
  • Analysis from Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
  • FAQ from National Association of Community Health Centers
• Social Security Administration
• Veterans Affairs
• Housing & Urban Development
• Education
• Justice
• Defense
• Environmental Protection
• Small Business
• Internal Revenue Service