Reductions in the federal workforce can make it harder for the government to attract and retain expert and skilled employees needed for scientific research, policy development, and regulatory implementation.
October 18, 2025
high
structural
Describes a general workforce and governance consequence of cutting federal personnel.
Labor unions can pursue judicial injunctions to halt federal workforce layoffs during government shutdowns by arguing that such layoffs are unlawful or constitute politically driven reductions in force.
October 16, 2025
high
legal
Legal recourse available to unions representing federal employees facing layoffs during funding gaps.
A lapse in federal appropriations (a government shutdown) can result in military personnel working without pay and some federal employees being furloughed.
October 05, 2025
high
process
Operational and personnel effects that commonly occur during federal government funding lapses.
Reductions in force (RIFs) refer to workforce reductions that go beyond typical furloughs during a federal government shutdown.
high
definition
Terminology describing a more permanent or extensive reduction of federal personnel compared with temporary furloughs during shutdowns.