Core Points - The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is directing federal agencies to prepare large-scale layoff plans in anticipation of a potential government shutdown, specifically targeting employees involved in "non-mandatory programs" [1][2] - The OMB memo indicates that if the government shuts down, there will be a permanent reduction in federal employees, contrasting with past practices where most employees faced temporary furloughs [1][2] - The memo outlines that projects without statutory funding will be the primary targets of the government shutdown's impact, and agencies are required to submit proposed layoff plans [2] Summary by Sections OMB Directives - OMB has instructed agencies to identify discretionary projects and activities that will lose funding after October 1, and to draft layoff plans for employees involved in these areas [1][2] - The memo emphasizes that even employees who could be exempt from furloughs during funding lapses must receive layoff notifications [2] Current Legislative Context - The memo was released amid a funding impasse between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, with the House passing a temporary funding bill to keep federal operations running until November 21, but Senate Democrats refusing to advance it [2] - OMB noted that if Congress passes a "clean" temporary funding bill by September 30, the additional measures outlined in the memo would not need to be implemented [2] Political Reactions - Some Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have expressed concerns that the memo serves as a tactic to intimidate, suggesting that the administration's actions could undermine essential government services [3][4] - House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries views the threat of layoffs as a serious issue, particularly for federal employees in Virginia, urging voters to remember this during the upcoming elections [4]