The U.S. Nuclear Weapons Agency, which oversees the nation’s nuclear arsenal, is furloughing most of its staff due to the ongoing government shutdown. The agency, part of the Department of Energy, has announced that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 90%, impacting hundreds of personnel involved in nuclear deterrent operations.
House Republicans have seized on the staff reductions as a national security concern, arguing that the shutdown is jeopardizing the country’s defense capabilities. They have pressed Senate Democrats to compromise and pass a spending bill to reopen the government, warning that the prolonged shutdown could have severe consequences for national security and operational readiness.
Senate Democrats have not yet responded to the House’s demands, highlighting the political impasse that has led to the current shutdown. The situation raises concerns about the potential impact on critical national infrastructure and the ability of the agency to maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrent during the ongoing political stalemate.