Washington D.C., Oct 2(HS): The White House has warned that sweeping layoffs of federal workers will begin within two days as the first US government shutdown in nearly seven years shows no sign of resolution.
The shutdown, which began Wednesday after lawmakers missed a midnight funding deadline, has left both parties locked in a bitter blame game. Senate Democrats demand guarantees for healthcare funding, while Republicans push for a stop-gap measure to extend existing funding until mid-November.
At a rare White House briefing, Vice-President JD Vance appeared alongside Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and accused Democrats of “playing political games” instead of reopening the government. Leavitt said layoffs were now “imminent,” suggesting that non-essential employees, in addition to unpaid furloughs, could face permanent job losses if the impasse drags on.
Top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, charged that Republicans are attempting to “bully” them into accepting an underfunded plan. Senator Chris Murphy bluntly stated that the government will only reopen “when Republicans get serious about talking to Democrats.”
Republicans, who control both chambers but lack the 60 Senate votes required for passage, argue that keeping government funded is the immediate priority and accuse Democrats of holding Americans hostage over extended healthcare subsidies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Democrats were “playing politics at the expense of the American people.”The political standoff is already hitting federal workers. Essential staff such as border patrol and the military continue duty without pay, while roughly 750,000 deemed non-essential are expected to be put on temporary leave, a larger share than during the last shutdown in 2018.
Vance further fueled controversy by alleging Democrats sought healthcare benefits for undocumented migrants — a claim Democratic leaders strongly deny. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries clarified that “nowhere have Democrats suggested changing federal law” on migrant healthcare.
Behind closed doors, White House budget director Russell Vought briefed Republicans on potential workforce cuts, though specifics remain unclear. With the Senate adjourned until a scheduled funding vote Friday, analysts warn the shutdown could cost the US economy billions in lost output if no breakthrough emerges.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
