With Congress facing a deadline to fund the government, the White House has told federal agencies to prepare layoff plans in case of a shutdown. The standoff raises the stakes for workers and services as lawmakers scramble to avoid disruption.

Washington

The Trump administration has warned that a government shutdown could result in not only furloughs but also permanent layoffs for federal workers, according to a memo advising agencies to consider reductions in force for programs not aligned with the president's priorities. Democratic lawmakers have strongly criticized the move, labeling it an intimidation tactic and insisting on negotiations, particularly regarding health care issues.

Despite the heightened rhetoric, there are currently no active talks between the administration and congressional leaders, with Congress still in recess. Some lawmakers, such as Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, have expressed concern about the economic impact of layoffs and urged the president to engage in discussions to resolve the impasse.

Breaking down the fight over a possible government shutdown

Now to a high-stakes game of political chicken, as the Trump administration threatens to not just furlough workers if there's a government shutdown, but to permanently lay them off. Democrats are pushing back, calling the threat an intimidation tactic. CBS News Congressional Correspondent Nicole Killian has been speaking with lawmakers and she joins us now. So Nicole, where do we stand right now? What does this exactly amount to on this memo? Well basically what this memo advises is that federal agencies should consider a reduction in force if it involves a program, project, or activity that is not consistent with the president's priorities should there be a funding lapse. However, an OMB official does caution that certain services would continue in the event of a shutdown, whether that's social security benefits, military operations, and federal air traffic control. What's been the reaction from lawmakers so far, Nicole? Well look, as you mentioned, Democratic lawmakers in particular see this as an intimidation tactic. However, they are not backing down from their demands to sit down with Republican leaders, particularly on this issue of health care. I did have a chance to sit down with Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, who represents Kansas City, where the federal government does represent one of the larger employers in his district. Here's what he told me about the impact of a potential shutdown. Do you see this as a serious threat? Well, it's not helpful because our economy is already in intensive care, and we're now talking about laying off more people. That's going to put a strain on the economy, no question about it. So he thinks this memo and this threat to fire federal workers will ultimately backfire. He says the president can end this now if he simply sits down with Democratic leaders, Maurice. Nicole, we saw the president shut down a meeting that he was supposed to have with Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, the two leaders in Congress. So where do the talks stand right now? What's happening there? Well there are no talks happening, so not much is taking place. And look, Congress is still out on recess, so we expect things to come to a head when they return next week. One would think. OK, Nicole Killian on the Hill tonight. Thank you so much.

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Copenhagen

Russia denies involvement in drone flyovers at Danish airports

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Quantico

Hegseth calls rare meeting of hundreds of senior military officers

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Madrid

Middle East Conflict

Spain, Italy send navies to escort Gaza aid flotilla

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Former FBI director James Comey indicted on two counts

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Centralia

Feds seize 50,000 pills laced with drug 100 times stronger than fentanyl

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Mahmoud Abbas promises no Hamas in post-war Gaza government

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D.C. midair collision victim's family sues airline, FAA and Army

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Paris

France ex-President Sarkozy convicted of criminal conspiracy

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Beijing

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New York

Leaders at the U.N. push reforms to counter authoritarian rise

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Manhattan

Ukraine Invasion

Rubio meets Russia's Lavrov after Trump shifts tone on Ukraine war

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Trump administration rehires hundreds laid off during DOGE cuts

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Ex-French President Sarkozy awaits verdict in trial

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Dallas

Three people shot at ICE facility in Dallas, officials say

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Los Angeles

Jimmy Kimmel makes emotional return with monologue about free speech

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Yangjiang

Typhoon Ragasa lashes Hong Kong, Taiwan, southern China

Mainland China is bracing for Super Typhoon Ragasa, after the powerful storm caused widespread destruction across the region. In Taiwan, at least 14 people have died in flooding triggered by the cyclone.

Kowloon

Typhoon Ragasa sweeping towards China, 14 killed in Taiwan

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West Palm Beach

Ryan Routh found guilty of trying to assassinate Trump

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Santa Clara

Rise of AI

Nvidia to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI

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Houston

NASA prepares to send astronauts around the moon

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Hong Kong Island

Super Typhoon Ragasa targets Southern China, Hong Kong

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Breakdown