JD Vance. Video screenshot

 

The White House has announced that mass layoffs of US federal workers are imminent, as the government shutdown enters its third day with no end in sight. The shutdown commenced on Wednesday due to a failed agreement between Republicans and Democrats on a new spending plan, leading to fears of prolonged economic impacts and potential job losses.

 

The Senate has adjourned with no resolution, increasing concerns that the shutdown could extend, affecting hundreds of thousands of jobs and risking billions in economic losses. Tensions rose during a White House briefing when Vice-President JD Vance accused Democrats of political manoeuvring, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that job cuts are expected within days, blaming Democrats for the current situation.

 

The ongoing shutdown is worsened by both parties blaming one another. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, seek healthcare funding guarantees, while Republicans are pushing a temporary measure to sustain current funding levels until mid-November. This impasse has resulted in Democrats insisting on negotiations to secure healthcare benefits for lower-income citizens, though Republicans view keeping the government open as the immediate priority.

 

Despite Republicans controlling both congressional chambers, they lack the 60 votes needed to advance a funding bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasised that the focus should be on the American people, critiquing Democrats for crippling the government for political leverage. Additionally, Republicans argue the healthcare extensions demand excessive taxpayer funds for circumstances no longer pertinent post-Covid.

 

Essential workers must continue without pay, and non-essential workers face temporary unpaid leave, with retrospective compensation possible. Analysts predict this shutdown could surpass the impact of the previous 2018 incident, affecting around 750,000 federal workers. Some were furloughed on Wednesday, but warnings of permanent layoffs loom.

 

Vice-President Vance reiterated the possibility of layoffs if the deadlock isn't resolved, amid accusations that Democrats are overreaching to extend healthcare benefits to undocumented migrants, a claim strongly denied by the Democrats, who assert no interest in altering federal law concerning migrant healthcare.

 

Discussions continue privately, with Republicans being briefed on potential layoff scenarios, though details remain limited. As Capitol Hill remains gridlocked, Republican Speaker Mike Johnson declared a lack of compromise options, with another vote on the temporary funding solution scheduled for Friday.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Mass layoffs of US federal workers expected within days amid the ongoing shutdown.
• Democrats and Republicans remain locked in a blame game over funding and healthcare benefits.
• Another vote on a temporary funding bill is scheduled for Friday, with no compromise in sight.

Related Story:

Shutdown: US Govt Grinds to Halt as Congress Fails to Reach Deal

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-10-02

 

 

That’s our Donald instead of listening to reason on health care he will damage other lives and use that malignancy of heart to try to get his way…..some president ehh?just beggars belief.

All these layoffs are part of Trump diabolical plan to give tax cuts to the rich. 

It is an embarrassment and 3rd world politics.  Shameful. 

All the shutdowns in the past decade? Trump’s.

By his own words in 2013: 'The president is responsible for a shutdown.'

So yes — he owns them, including the longest one in U.S. history.

Trust-fund narcissist, 'Art of the Deal' — yet he can’t even defend the health care he swore he wouldn’t change.

TACO Trump.

The Schumer Shutdown.

Love it.

As long as it doesn't impact ICE too much.

2 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

All these layoffs are part of Trump diabolical plan to give tax cuts to the rich. 

Why do you lefties say the dumbest things. 

2 hours ago, Tug said:

That’s our Donald instead of listening to reason on health care he will damage other lives and use that malignancy of heart to try to get his way…..some president ehh?just beggars belief.

Do you want to know a budgetary truth.  The Federal government can't not afford to fund everything under the sun.  

Dems ruining the country even when not in power

 

they only know how to destroy and disrupt

19 hours ago, Mike_Hunt said:

Do you want to know a budgetary truth.  The Federal government can't not afford to fund everything under the sun.  

I have 2 thoughts on that subject…#1 the rest of the developed and a lot of the undeveloped world does provide healthcare for their taxpayers…..why aren’t the republicans talking about taxing the wealthy and corporations to help pay for things?

With the seventeen plus trillion Trump has taken in tariffs there is no need for a shutdown.Should be no cuts to medicaid or any health programmes.Tax cuts for all including the rich 1%. Donald star spending that seventeen trillion and also pay off the deficit. Start the GOLDEN AGE NOW!!!!!