The White House is making preparations for a potential government shutdown as the deadline to fund the government approaches. Senior officials are drawing up plans to determine which personnel would be considered “essential” and not be furloughed. Most of President Joe Biden’s senior aides are expected to be designated essential. The White House is closely monitoring the ongoing deliberations in Congress and the actions of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, as the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. Despite a deal reached in the Senate to keep the government open through November, the possibility of a shutdown is still considered likely.
The White House is actively preparing for a potential government shutdown, with senior officials making plans to determine which personnel would be deemed essential. Most of President Biden’s senior aides are expected to be designated essential and avoid being furloughed. The contingency planning began in earnest when the Office of Management and Budget started communicating with agencies about ceasing non-essential work. Previous shutdowns have seen employees with the title “Special Assistant to the President” automatically considered essential. President Biden is also staying in Washington over the weekend, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Despite a deal reached in the Senate to keep the government open, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s actions are seen as crucial in determining whether a bipartisan Senate bill will reach the floor for a vote. The White House is unsure if the two chambers can reach a mutually agreed deal in time. While the White House does not have a direct role in the negotiations, it has focused on messaging and placing blame on Republicans if a shutdown occurs. President Biden has recorded a video pointing the finger at a “small group of extreme House Republicans” for their determination to shut down the government.