Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Federal agency entrusted with security country’s nuclear stockpile Most of its employees will be given leave on Monday government shutdown The Energy Department said the impact on funding continues.
The National Nuclear Security Administration, which employs about 1,800 staff, will furlough about 1,400 people – 375 employees will be left on the job, and Department of Energy spokesperson Told CNN.
The agency, which ensures the US maintains a safe and reliable nuclear stockpile as well as modernizes nuclear weapons, has never furloughed employees during any previous government shutdown.
“This time we have no choice,” said Energy Department spokesman Ben Dieterich. “We extended funding as long as we could.”
Independent Comments have been sought from the Energy Department.
The agency’s Office of Safe Transportation, which is responsible for safely transporting nuclear materials, will run out of funding on Oct. 27, the department said.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright is expected to speak about the impact of the government shutdown on workforce retention when he visits a Nevada national security site on Monday.
Members of Congress were informed of the agency’s closure last week. Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, during House Republicans’ press conference. Said They were informed that “carry-over funding” was running out.
“These are not employees you want going home,” Rogers said. “They are managing and operating a very important strategic asset for us. They need to be employed and paid.”
The effect of furloughs will be felt first in those places where nuclear weapons A source familiar with the situation told CNN that is being assembled through larger teams, such as the Pantex plant located in Texas and the Y-12 national security complex in Tennessee.
The agency employs approximately 100,000 contractors and subcontractors – the agency said in its notice to Congress that it plans to review contractors’ plans to keep facilities in “minimally safe” conditions. Obtained by CBS News.
“Safe minimum” plans ensure that only essential functions related to the safety of life or protection of property continue.
Right told Bloomberg News That the US nuclear stockpile will remain safe and ready but efforts to modernize nuclear weapons and facilities will be affected. Energy Secretary moves forward Blamed Democrats for the shutdown.
The National Nuclear Security Administration is the latest government agency to be furloughed amid the shutdown. Agency employees will return to work once the government reopens.
President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are pressuring Democrats to follow through with the GOP’s temporary funding bill that would allow the government to keep operating through the end of the year.
Pressure tactics include withdrawing funding from Democratic-led cities or states that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, and Effort to fire thousands of federal employees Working on policies that align with Trump’s Democrats.