The US Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, has issued a warning that the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) might run out of funding within eight days due to the ongoing government shutdown. This potential lapse in funding could lead to a suspension of operations vital for monitoring the country’s nuclear arsenal, raising serious concerns about national security. The current government shutdown, the first in nearly seven years, has stemmed from the Senate’s failure to pass a spending bill, leaving many federal services suspended and numerous employees furloughed.
On Friday, the Senate failed to pass either a Republican bill or a Democratic alternative, both falling short of the required votes. Both parties have blamed each other for the situation, as lawmakers are set to attempt negotiations again on October 6. Wright expressed his concerns during a press conference on Fox News, stating that eight more days of funding were necessary to avoid ’emergency shutdown procedures,’ which could put the country at risk.
Wright also highlighted that over 20 officials in his department are still awaiting Senate confirmation, attributing the prolonged shutdown to Democratic delaying tactics. The NNSA, which previously employed over 65,000 federal workers and contractors, is now faced with the possibility of disrupted operations as the shutdown continues. The Energy Department has outlined its latest shutdown plan, which aims to keep ‘critical control operations systems’ and non-proliferation efforts running, although specific details on the number of employees affected remain unclear.
Apart from the immediate impact on the NNSA, President Donald Trump has used the shutdown to push for significant staff and wage cuts, blaming Democrats for the budget impasse. The White House has also leveraged the standoff to target programs that are opposed by Republicans. The last government shutdown began on December 22, 2018 and lasted 35 days, highlighting the potential severity of the current situation.