The federal government is reportedly compensating over 154,000 employees to remain off the job as part of a postponement program initiated during the Trump administration.
Since June, thousands have been receiving payments, which are set to continue until the end of 2025.
Officials from two Human Resources Offices, speaking anonymously, mentioned that the total number of individual paychecks involved remains unclear.
According to OPM spokesman McLaurine Pinover, more than 150,000 employees were offered what he described as “dignified and generous departures.”
Pinover claimed this program has significantly benefited American taxpayers, pointing out that there’s never been such a considerable savings in such a brief period.
There has been no immediate reply from the OPM or the White House regarding inquiries on the situation.
Democrats have criticized the postponement program, labeling it ineffective.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who serves on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, is pushing for an investigation into the layoffs as part of a larger probe by the Department of Government Efficiency.
“Lacking reliable data from the Trump administration about Doge’s operations, the subcommittee had to estimate the costs incurred on Americans over just six months,” Blumenthal stated. The projected waste attributed to Doge exceeded $21.7 billion, though he believes this only scratches the surface of the actual financial ramifications.
Senator Blumenthal accused the postponed resignation program of wasting $14.8 billion. He pointed out that $6.1 billion was allocated for 100,000 employees who were often excluded from federal services while others remained on extended administrative leave.
“As an inspector, your role is to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse from federal programs under your supervision,” he asserted.
“Given these findings, I’m requesting a thorough review of Doge’s activities within the agency to identify the full impact of the costs stemming from Doge’s negligence.”
