Protect vital government workforce for national security, public health

These workforce reductions are not resulting in meaningful cost savings, but rather imposing a long-term financial burden due to compromised public safety and national security. Sickness outbreaks, accidents caused by overworked staff laboring overtime, and potential calamities stemming from diminished safeguards against threats like avian flu, nuclear mishandling, or veteran crises will ultimately incur far greater expenses than maintaining an adequately staffed federal workforce. The short-term gains from these cuts pale in comparison to the exorbitant costs that may arise from lapses in vital government functions. A stable, experienced workforce is a prudent investment to avert potentially catastrophic consequences for public health, consumer protection, and national interests.