TL/DR –
Vice President JD Vance has warned that the longer the US government shutdown continues, the deeper the cuts to the federal workforce will be, with over 4,000 employees potentially being fired. The shutdown, now in its 12th day, began after Democrats refused a short-term funding solution, demanding an extension to federal subsidies for health insurance. Labor unions have sued to stop the cuts, calling them illegal, as thousands of employees at various departments are expected to receive layoff notices.
Vice President JD Vance Raises Concerns Over Government Shutdown Impacts
Vice President JD Vance announced on Sunday that a longer government shutdown could lead to deeper cuts to the federal workforce. This statement adds to the uncertainty facing hundreds of thousands of furloughed workers amidst the stubborn stalemate in Congress.
Vance indicated that as the federal shutdown enters its 12th day, new cuts would be “painful.” Despite these challenges, the Trump administration is ensuring military pay this week and preserving some services for low-income Americans, like food assistance.
Due to the shutdown, hundreds of thousands of government workers have been furloughed in recent days. According to a court filing on Friday, over 4,000 federal employees may soon be laid off. Additionally, the Smithsonian announced the temporary closure of its museums, research centers, and the National Zoo due to lack of funding.
READ MORE: Trump Directs Pentagon to Use ‘All Available Funds’ to Pay Troops Despite Shutdown
The lawsuit filed by labor unions aims to halt the aggressive move by President Donald Trump’s budget office, a move that goes beyond the norm during a government shutdown. This has further inflamed tensions between the Republicans and the Democratic minority.
The shutdown began after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix and demanded an extension of health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The ending of these subsidies could result in increased monthly costs for millions.
Trump and Republican leaders are open to negotiations on health subsidies. However, they insist on reopening the government first. Currently, negotiations are virtually nonexistent, with both parties blaming each other.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries asserted the readiness of the Democrats to have open discussions, expressing disappointment over Republicans’ uncompromising approach. In contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of indifference towards the pain inflicted by the shutdown.
Meanwhile, progressive activists have expressed new support for the Democratic Party’s stance in the shutdown fight. Ezra Levin, co-founder of the protest group Indivisible, cited fractures in the GOP, noting warnings of skyrocketing health insurance premiums if no action is taken.
Strikingly, the Republican administration and its congressional allies show no signs of yielding to Democratic demands or backing down from threats of pursuing deeper cuts to the federal workforce. More layoffs could be forthcoming for employees at various departments, including Education, Treasury, Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Vance argues that Democrats have forced a tough choice between providing benefits to low-income individuals and paying federal bureaucrats. Democrats, however, deem the layoffs unnecessary and illegal, a sentiment echoed by Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.
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