Part 4/7:
There is a stark contrast between the two chambers' actions—while the Senate pushes for immediate measures to reopen the government, the House remains in gridlock, arguably prolonging the shutdown.
White House Response and The Impact of Layoffs
The Trump administration has made clear it will implement targeted layoffs if Congress fails to reach an agreement. Russ Vote, Director of Management, announced on social media that force reductions had begun, signaling a new phase in the shutdown fallout. President Donald Trump confirmed in the Oval Office that these layoffs would be "targeted" and, notably, "Democrat oriented"—a move that has been widely criticized as political retaliation.