The firings mark the first large-scale layoffs of federal employees during a funding lapse in modern history, going beyond the furloughs that have characterized past temporary shutdowns. Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images/Postmedia files

The White House says it is making good on threats to fire thousands of federal workers amid a government shutdown now in its 10th day, with job cuts at agencies including the departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and Commerce.

“The RIFs have begun,” White House Budget Director Russell Vought posted on social media Friday, referring to reductions in force, the federal government’s term for layoffs.

Thousands of people have been laid off as a result of the shutdown, according to a senior White House official

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