Federal worker layoffs 'have begun' amid government shutdown: White House

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - White House budget director Russell Vought said Friday that layoffs of federal workers "have begun" as the US government shutdown continues.

"The RIFs have begun," Vought said on US social media company X, using the acronym for "Reductions in Force."

The federal government remains shut for 10 days after the US Senate on Thursday again failed to advance funding bills to end the shutdown for the seventh time.

Both parties continue to accuse each other of obstructing progress on reopening the government.

While a government shutdown does not automatically result in a full-blown economic crisis, it creates major disruptions for many aspects of American life, also adding to uncertainty around the state of the world's biggest economy.

Many federal employees have been furloughed, or forced to work without pay, while others will be placed on mandatory leave until a new budget is approved. Each federal agency has its own shutdown plan, determining which government employees are essential.

In previous shutdowns, employees were furloughed, not fired, and no government programs were ended. Democrats say such moves are likely illegal.