With a government shutdown looming, the White House made a strong move to not only pressure Democrats but also allow for a huge benefit should it not be averted. If an agreement cannot be reached, departments have been instructed to begin firing many of their employees permanently, achieving some of the goals of the original DOGE initiative.
The Trump administration has had legal challenges enacting much of the cuts DOGE and others have wanted from the federal government. By firing instead of the standard furlough that comes with government shutdowns, any court challenges will likely not be successful.
More from Zero Hedge:
White House Orders Agencies to Prepare Mass Layoff Plans in Event of Shutdown
The White House budget office has instructed federal agencies to prepare to fire a ton of people (aka ‘reduction-in-force’ plans) that could permanently eliminate jobs in the event of a government shutdown – the latest twist in the latest shutdown groundhog day – effectively challenging Democrats to a game of chicken.
In a memo shared with agencies Wednesday, the Office of Management and Budget said departments must identify programs where discretionary funding will lapse on Oct. 1 and no alternative source is available. Instead of a typical furlough, OMB has told agencies to get ready for permanent reductions – starting with positions that are out of alignment with President Donald Trump’s priorities.
In the past, affected employees were furloughed on a temporary basis and reinstated once Congress approved new spending. Not this time – as OMB Director Russ Vought is using the prospect of deep cuts as leverage against the Democrats.
“Programs that did not benefit from an infusion of mandatory appropriations will bear the brunt of a shutdown,” reads the OMB memo – with agencies instructed to submit their proposed RIF plans and to issue notices to employees who might otherwise be excepted or furloughed during a lapse in funding, Politico reports.
Core services – including Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, military operations, law enforcement, immigration enforcement and air traffic control – would continue regardless of a shutdown, according to an OMB official familiar with the guidance.
At the heart of the deadlock, Democrats are demanding that any short-term spending measure include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies that are due to expire, as well as broader negotiations on domestic priorities. Republicans, by contrast, are pushing to advance a leaner stopgap bill already passed by the House that would fund the government through Nov. 21 while largely preserving Trump administration priorities and holding the line on additional healthcare spending.
The memo arrives days before the Sept. 30 deadline to avert a lapse in government funding. The House has passed a short-term measure to keep operations running through Nov. 21, but Senate Democrats have rejected the plan, insisting on negotiations over a broader bipartisan package that could extend expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The OMB also said that if Congress passes a clean stopgap bill before the fiscal year deadline, nobody will get fired (aside from the usual firings).
Democrats, of course, are absolutely beside themselves – with Senate Minority Leader Chuck ‘hamburger expert’ Schumer (D-NY) claiming that the plan confirmed his warnings during the last shutdown standoff in March, when he argued that it would enable the Trump administration to accelerate cuts to government programs. Schumer, who will keep his job no matter what, called the OMB memo “an attempt at intimidation.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries struck a sharper tone, warning voters in Virginia – home to many federal employees – that the administration’s policies were “ruining lives and punishing hardworking families already struggling with Trump Tariffs and inflation.”
With just days left before government funding runs out, the OMB memo underscores the potential for this shutdown fight to reshape the federal workforce in ways not seen in previous budget battles.
As a proponent of government shutdowns, this is all very good news to me. If the shutdown is averted, we get to move on to more important issues. If it is allowed to happen, we get to cut some of the fat out of the federal government.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
Shut it down. Fire them.
A fifty percent reduction of the gov. work force would only be noticed by those laid off.
Sounds like a plan. Take out all of the RINO parts of the present bill. Then make them vote for it anyway. Or shut down the government and start handing out pink slips.
Disband the IRS !!!!
This is great news. Shut it down and fire as many Federal bureaucrats as possible.
We cannot continue to spend even a dime on illegals, it has to end and they all have to go.
But bureaucrats would still keep their jobs as these firings would only fire working class people.
The hits just keep coming. Government shutdown is the best thing to happen for the U.S. citizens. The main job of government is to control and exploit their citizens. Our government is the greatest enemy of our citizens.