No region in the country has felt the loss of government jobs and contracts more than the DMV. That’s the conclusion of a report issued by Brookings and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
A New Threat
Now a new threat to federal employment looms on the horizon. Without intervention by the deeply divided Congress, the federal government could be headed for a shutdown by as early as next Friday, Oct. 3.
On Thursday, the Trump administration said many more jobs could be eliminated if Congress does not act to prevent a shutdown. A memo issued by the Office of Personnel Management directs federal agencies to prepare for mass reductions in force unless the shutdown is averted.
Van Hollen Speaks Out
Sen. Chris Van Hollen sent out the following statement regarding the memo:
“President Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people. He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw — going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services — despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts. These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown. These threats are not only an attack on Americans’ services and benefits, they’re also likely illegal. We’ll be fighting back with every tool we have.”
Elrich Criticizes Shutdown Threat
County Executive Marc Elrich weighed in with his thoughts at his weekly media briefing:
“Trump is now issuing threats and continuing to be a bully…. if he doesn’t get what he wants he’s going to have a tantrum that will wreak havoc on people’s lives and the operation of important government functions…this is just more stunning and scary stuff. We are facing a president who is unwilling to work with people, unwilling to negotiate and will continue to create mass misery and destruction.”
The latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics put the county unemployment rate at 3.6%. Further job loss could ripple through the local economy causing revenue drops for small businesses that serve government workers and contractors.
