US Nuclear Agency Furloughs 80% of Workforce as Shutdown Deepens
The agency managing America’s nuclear weapons stockpile is sending 80% of its workforce home as the government shutdown continues, raising serious safety concerns among lawmakers.
Key Takeaways
- National Nuclear Security Administration furloughing 80% of staff
- Lawmakers warn “minimum-safe” mode endangers critical operations
- Shutdown could become longest in US history
- 750,000 federal employees estimated to be furloughed daily
The ongoing government shutdown, driven by Republican-Democrat disputes over healthcare subsidies, has now reached America’s most sensitive security operations. The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is exhausting its carryover funds, forcing massive furloughs.
“We were just informed last night that the National Nuclear Security Administration…the group that manages our nuclear stockpile…the carryover funding they’ve been using is about to run out. They will have to lay off 80% of their employees. These are not employees who you want going home. They’re managing and handling a very important strategic asset for us. They need to be at work and being paid…” House Armed Services Committee chair and Republican leader Mike Rogers said during a press conference on Friday.
Historic Shutdown Impacts
The federal government employs approximately 2.3 million civilian workers. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, about 750,000 employees face daily furloughs during the shutdown.
Some lawmakers predict this could become the longest government shutdown in US history, potentially exceeding the 35-day shutdown during Donald Trump’s first term.
The Trump administration is reportedly using the current situation to advance favored priorities while dismantling opposed programs.
