Washington A looming US government shutdown has left federal workers terrified fearing mass layoffs as the White House signals plans to reshape the federal workforce.
The Trump administration has ordered agencies to prepare for sweeping job cuts if Congress fails to reach a budget deal before Tuesday night linking funding to policy priorities and risking positions in departments not aligned with its agenda.
Lawmakers remain deadlocked with Democrats demanding protections like extended Obamacare subsidies while Republicans push for a clean funding bill.
Federal employees fear unpaid bills and permanent job losses while contractors like Bonita Williams worry about surviving without backpay. Union leaders warn of IRS delays and service disruptions nationwide.
The last shutdown in 2018-19 lasted 35 days and workers fear this one could be even harsher amid economic uncertainty and restructuring efforts.
