The White House’s budget office has sent a memo to federal agencies telling them to prepare for mass layoffs in case Congress fails to pass a spending bill and the government shuts down on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know about the administration’s shutdown preparations:

The budget office directive

OMB orders agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans:

The firing rationale

Administration plans to use funding gaps as reason for permanent job cuts:

The congressional standoff

Both parties locked in dispute over government funding:

The Democratic pushback

Party leaders condemn OMB director’s approach:

The heated rhetoric

House Democratic leader issues sharp personal attack:

Read more:

• White House tells agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, firings if shutdown looms

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