Today's the day for federal agencies to start preparing for a possible government shutdown in a week's time
Today's the day for federal agencies to start preparing for a possible government shutdown in a week's time
With a potential government shutdown just a week away, today is the day federal departments and agencies must begin the standard but mandatory process of planning to bring nonessential functions to a halt — a process that may bring more uncertainty for federal workers amid the Trump administration’s efforts to cut the size of government.
Those shutdown plans — which the Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to compile “regardless of whether the enactment of appropriations appears imminent” — would go into effect if Congress does not pass a funding deal when the clock strikes midnight next Friday.
Every department and agency has its own plans and procedures, including guidance on how many employees would be furloughed, which ones are essential and would work without pay, how long it would take to wind down operations, and which activities would stop. These plans can vary from shutdown to shutdown.
This process comes as the Trump administration has taken significant steps to transform the size and scope of the government. As part of those efforts, administration officials are keeping tabs on who is designated essential in a shutdown as they plan for a sweeping reduction in force.
Contingency planning for the potential shutdown could be more complicated as some personnel involved in the process, as well as staffers and services deemed essential, may have already been eliminated.

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