Part 2/7:
According to a recent court filing from the Office of Management and Budget, the layoffs are part of a rapidly evolving situation designed to put pressure on congressional Democrats to end the shutdown. The move is seen as a tactic by the White House to force Congressional action, but it has sparked widespread criticism.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decried the layoffs as “deliberate chaos,” emphasizing the destructive impact that the continuing deadlock is having on government operations. With the shutdown extending into another week, lawmakers are embroiled in frustration and blame-shifting.