WASHINGTON — As the government shutdown enters its third week, the Office and Management and Budget said Tuesday it's preparing to "batten down the hatches" with more workforce reductions to come.

President Donald Trump called budget chief Russ Vought the "grim reaper" who's seized on the opportunity to fund Trump's priorities, paying the military while slashing employees in health, education, the sciences and other areas with actions that have been criticized as illegal and are facing court challenges.

"Pay the troops, pay law enforcement, continue the RIFs, and wait," OMB said.

Congress is at a standstill, with the Republican-led House refusing to return to session and the Senate stuck in a loop of failed votes to reopen government as Democrats demand health care funds.

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