Posted: Saturday, October 18, 2025. 3:39 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: The U.S. government shutdown that began on October 1 has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed, while others continue working without pay to maintain essential services, Reuters report.
Across major government agencies, operations have been significantly disrupted as funding lapses continue. The Department of Defense has furloughed roughly 55% of its 740,000 civilian workers, though military personnel remain on duty. Those involved in cybersecurity, intelligence, logistics, and medical care are still reporting for work, but many supporting roles in training and procurement have been halted.
At the Department of Homeland Security, about 5% of the workforce is furloughed, mainly those in planning, research, and auditing.
Critical personnel, including Secret Service agents, border officers, TSA screeners, and Coast Guard staff, remain active. The Justice Department has furloughed around 10% of its staff, primarily in administrative roles, while law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and FBI agents continue their duties.
The State Department, however, has seen deeper cuts — with 62% of its 27,000 employees furloughed, though U.S. embassies abroad remain open and passport and visa services continue.
Other key agencies have also been hit hard. Nearly half of Internal Revenue Service employees will be furloughed starting October 8, delaying tax processing and enforcement.
The Department of Health and Human Services has furloughed 41% of its staff, severely affecting research and oversight at the CDC, FDA, and Medicare.
Meanwhile, the Commerce Department has sidelined 81% of its employees, pausing much of its economic data collection and research.
Weather forecasting and emergency operations continue, but most staff at the Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis have been sent home, halting major statistical reports and data publications until funding is restored.
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The post International News: US Government shutdown forces hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, October 18, 2025. 3:39 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: The U.S. government shutdown that began on October 1 has left hundreds of thousands of
The post International News: US Government shutdown forces hundreds of thousands of federal workers off the job appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
