If the government shuts down on Oct. 1, the White House said it will look for ways to use the funding dispute to permanently eliminate some federal workers, rather than just temporarily send them home on unpaid leave.

This proposed "reduction in force" — outlined in a memo obtained by NPR on Wednesday — would be a significant shift from past government shutdowns, when employees have been temporarily furloughed until a budget deal is reached.

The White House Office of Management and Budget told agency heads that a funding lapse would give the administration the chance to issue "reduction in force" (RIF) notices to people who work on programs that are "not consistent with the president's priorities." The plans were first reported by Politico.

It's the latest push by President Trump's budg

See Full Page