HHS plans to furlough 41% of its workforce if Congress is unable to pass legislation avoiding a government shutdown before Oct. 1.  Of the department’s 79,717 employees, 32,460 will be furloughed, according to HHS’ contingency plan released Sept. 29.  HHS said it will use its authority under the Anti-Deficiency Act to maintain department activities during the possible shutdown.   

“Over the duration of any lapse, HHS will continue to review its resources, authorities and flexibilities under the law to minimize the impact of such a lapse on the safety of human life and the protection of property,” the department said in a news release. “HHS will rely on exceptions in the ADA to continue to protect human life and property, such as monitoring for disease outbreaks conducted by the Centers fo

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