1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Today I’m writing to urge you to publicly oppose the Trump administration's recent threats to fire federal employees during the government shutdown This unprecedented move not only violates established legal precedents but also undermines the stability of our federal workforce and the services they provide to our country. I also urge you to take immediate action to protect our federal workforce. This administration's attempt to circumvent longstanding protections for federal workers is disturbing and unlawful. Typically, permanent layoffs, known as reductions in force (RIFs), are prohibited during a government shutdown. However, the sociopathic Russell Vought of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued last-minute guidance that tried to create exceptions to this rule, allowing certain RIF processes to continue even during a funding lapse. This guidance directly contradicts the Anti-deficiency Act, which restricts government spending and activities during a shutdown, with only limited exceptions for essential functions. These actions are almost certainly a calculated move to unlawfully dismantle the federal government, rather than a legitimate response to a potential funding crisis. The threat of layoffs must not be used as leverage in negotiations over government funding bills. It is a misuse of power that jeopardizes the livelihoods of hardworking federal employees and the critical services they provide to our communities. I ask that you support legislation that strengthens protections for federal workers during government shutdowns and prevents the abuse of RIF procedures for political purposes. As we’ve seen, this administration cares nothing for human rights, civil rights, the law, or workers rights. The integrity of our government institutions and the well-being of countless federal employees and their families are at stake. We must act now to prevent this dangerous President, and his demented advisors from wrecking fair employment practices in our federal government. I didn’t vote for this. Thank you.