WASHINGTON, 21 October (H.S.): The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the U.S. agency responsible for safeguarding the nation's nuclear stockpile, will furlough approximately 1,400 employees as the federal government shutdown extends into its 20th day. This marks the first time in its 25-year history that the NNSA has been forced to take such a measure.
A spokesperson for the agency, which operates within the Department of Energy, confirmed on Monday that the temporary layoffs are unavoidable as funding has been stretched to its limit. The furloughs will leave fewer than 400 employees on duty to manage the nation's nuclear arsenal and non-proliferation efforts.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that while the U.S. nuclear stockpile remains secure, the furloughs will inevitably hamper efforts to modernize older weapons. The NNSA's Office of Secure Transportation, which is responsible for moving nuclear weapons, has sufficient funding to operate only until October 27.
The government shutdown, now in its third week, stems from a congressional impasse over a funding bill, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over healthcare provisions. Around 1.4 million federal employees are currently on unpaid leave or working without pay. On Monday, the Senate is expected to vote again on a funding measure that has already failed to pass ten times.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
