The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which is responsible for maintaining the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, is reportedly preparing to furlough nearly 80% of its employees. This move reflects the ongoing effects of the government shutdown, which has now stretched into its third week.
With around 1,400 staff members, the NNSA will only keep about 375 people designated as essential on duty starting Monday. This information was mentioned in a notice acquired by Politico.
The budget stalemate has resulted in a federal government shutdown that has already lasted 17 days, marking it as the third-longest in U.S. history.
“The Democratic shutdown poses a threat to national security,” said White House Press Secretary Taylor Rogers during a conversation with Fox News Digital on Friday.
Rogers emphasized that the lack of bipartisan support for a clean funding extension is harming critical government functions, leading to furloughs of workers like those at the NNSA, who manage the nuclear arsenal.
He characterized the furloughs as “reckless and totally avoidable,” urging Democrats to act to reopen the government instead of holding national priorities hostage.
However, leading Democratic figures pushed back against the narrative that they should shoulder the blame for the shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer argued that the Republicans’ refusal to negotiate is exacerbating the situation for the American public.
Schumer noted that the urgency of the shutdown feeds into broader concerns, especially as families begin to realize the potential increase in their health insurance premiums if Republicans have their way.
The NNSA oversees various responsibilities, including the safety and reliability of the country’s nuclear warheads and managing the Navy’s nuclear propulsion systems. It also plays a significant role in preventing the proliferation of nuclear materials.
While the NNSA does not manage deployed nuclear weapons directly—that responsibility falls to the Department of Defense—it contributes vital scientific research to support the nation’s nuclear strategy.
Rogers, during a news conference with Republican leaders, expressed that the agency’s funds are “on the verge of running out,” underscoring the importance of the employees who may potentially be sent home.
The Department of Energy has confirmed that while some essential operations will continue, many other programs related to research and modernization are on hold.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright is set to visit the Nuclear Security Station on Monday to emphasize how the shutdown affects U.S. nuclear operations.
Funding for the NNSA’s Safe Transportation Bureau, responsible for moving nuclear materials, is expected to last until October 27. Meanwhile, the ongoing government shutdown has resulted in hundreds of thousands of federal workers being furloughed or working without pay, disrupting various sectors, including parts of the judiciary and multiple infrastructure projects.
As Congress remains deadlocked, with the Senate not resuming until Monday, the furloughs at such a critical agency highlight how this political struggle is impacting the core of national security.
Earlier in the year, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the previous administration had reversed its decision to eliminate hundreds of NNSA jobs. These positions were crucial as they involved reassembling warheads, requiring the highest security clearances.
The workforce cuts were initially part of a broader effort impacting around 2,000 employees within the Department of Energy. Subsequently, those laid off were rehired after the decision was reversed.
