Reference picture courtesy of Stephen Cobb via Unsplash

 

In a dramatic turn, most employees of the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) are being put on unpaid leave amid a prolonged government shutdown. Republican lawmaker Mike Rogers raised the alarm as the budget impasse in Congress continues with no resolution in sight. Around 80% of the NNSA workforce will be furloughed, a move raising concerns due to their role in managing nuclear arsenals.

 

The shutdown, entering its 17th day, exacerbates challenges within already strained government services. With the NNSA running out of funds, stakeholders fear the furlough’s impact on national security. The agency, tasked with overseeing America's nuclear stockpile and employing fewer than 2,000 federal staff plus 60,000 contractors, faces significant operational disruptions. Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted the impending reality of tens of thousands of critical job losses in an interview.

 

The Senate has repeatedly failed to pass a budget resolution, with the shutdown commencing on October 1 and potentially extending to become the second-longest in history. The previous record was set during Donald Trump’s administration over a dispute regarding funding for the border wall. Democrats, fearing ongoing Republican resistance to negotiations, stymie current negotiations by pressing the US president for intervention.

 

The US president's budget cut plans, which aim to significantly reduce federal staffing, exacerbate the situation. Approximately 1.4 million federal workers face pay uncertainties, even as military personnel temporarily received payments last week. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has suggested a possible vote on healthcare subsidies as an incentive to reopen the government.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• 80% of NNSA employees are facing furlough due to the ongoing US government shutdown.
• Standoff in Congress over the budget prolongs, affecting critical services and operations.
• Extension could see the shutdown becoming the second-longest in US history.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from AFP | Bangkok Post 2025-10-18

 

 

 

 

 

The madness will never end, until the end.

 

What could possibly go wrong?talk about a dysfunctional administration….just beggers belief what an incompetent administration sad 😞 

The administration may be at fault, but does not control the purse strings. Get Congress to sort themselves out. I feel sad for the employees. For some of them, this is not the first time this has happened. Furlough, no pay or work and no pay. Who wants to be a federal employee, especially after DOGE's activities some time ago.