Washington: US Vice President JD Vance cautioned on Wednesday that a wave of layoff is "imminent" in the federal sector with the start of government shutdown. Vance said in a news briefing that the move was announced as the first day of the government shutdown unfolded.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Vance emphasized that the focus is on maintaining essential services despite the shutdown. "We're not targeting federal agencies based on politics. We're targeting the people's government so that as much as possible of the essential services can continue to function," Vance stated. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the shutdown, noting that while troops are not receiving pay, efforts are being made to ensure continuity of essential services.
Vance warned of potential layoffs if the shutdown extends further. "If this thing drags on for another few days or, God forbid, another few weeks, we are going to have to lay people off," he remarked. The vice president criticized the actions of Senate Democrats, holding them accountable for the current situation. He expressed skepticism about the duration of the shutdown but suggested there are signs of compromise among moderate Democrats.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed the situation, blaming the Democrats for the shutdown and highlighting ongoing efforts to identify necessary budget cuts. The shutdown is a result of the Senate's failure to pass the budget, leading to a situation where some federal workers continue without pay, while others face unpaid leave until the government resumes normal operations.