Over 4,000 federal employees were laid off on Friday as the government shutdown stretched into the weekend, with no apparent resolution between Democrats and Republicans.
A court filing from the Department of Justice outlined the layoffs across different departments. The Department of Finance experienced the most significant impact, with 1,446 employees issued Reduction in Force notices.
Moreover, military personnel could miss their first paycheck on October 15, as the shutdown continues for at least another week. House Speaker Mike Johnson has instructed Republican lawmakers to remain adjourned until the Senate votes on the funding bill, which leaves no opportunity to vote on a separate bill to ensure military pay.
Vice President J.D. Vance is set to appear on various news programs Sunday morning, likely addressing the layoffs of government workers. With Congress still stuck in a stalemate, he might also discuss his approach amid the ongoing shutdown.
Following an interview with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Vance described the comments as “despicable” and remarked that Democrats seem to gain ground “day by day” during this crisis.
Vance shared on social media that Schumer’s sentiment is “good for Schumer, bad for Americans,” which drew criticism from some users.
This Sunday, Vance is scheduled to appear on programs including NBC’s “Meet the Press,” CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” and ABC News’ “The Week.”
The standoff in Congress has seen lawmakers split between supporting either Johnson or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Tensions flared when Arizona Democratic Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego confronted Johnson regarding a delay affecting a swearing-in ceremony for Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Grijalva’s signature is pivotal for forcing a vote on a bill demanding the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Gallego accused Johnson of making excuses, while Johnson labeled it a publicity stunt. When intervention from Rep. Mike Lawler made the argument moot, Gallego challenged Johnson, insisting that “no one is going to protect pedophiles.”
Lawler replied, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and action against such individuals. The day prior, an altercation arose between Lawler and Jeffries over the shutdown, where Jeffries called Lawler “embarrassing,” leading to further heated remarks.
Kelly will join Vance on “Meet the Press,” while Lawler will speak on NewsNation. Jeffries is set to appear on “Fox News Sunday.”
This week, a ceasefire related to the Trump administration’s proposed peace plan was established between Israel and Hamas—two years following the outbreak of war triggered by the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
Vance might also be questioned about the ceasefire and an upcoming prisoner exchange. Both former Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro and former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan are expected to discuss the recent agreement during Sunday’s program.
Sullivan has faced reporters regarding the conflict until the end of the Biden administration, and he had previously critiqued Trump’s first 100 days in office as “a pure disaster.”
The Israel Defense Forces declared that a ceasefire in Gaza is now in effect. According to the arrangement, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,722 Gazans who were not involved in the initial Hamas attack, whereas Hamas is anticipated to free all remaining hostages, dead or alive.
President Trump intends to travel to the Middle East to help support the deal’s success, even considering scrapping his speech to Israel’s Knesset.
Other potential discussion points this Sunday include Trump’s move to deploy the National Guard in cities like Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, aimed at crime reduction and aiding local ICE officials. Illinois leaders have filed a lawsuit against the administration to halt the deployment. A federal appeals court recently approved the decision to federalize but not deploy the Illinois National Guard.
There’s also scrutiny over the recent indictments of figures like former FBI Director James Comey and New York State AG Letitia James, raising concerns about the Justice Department being used for political purposes. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton is expected to be among the next targets of these charges.
These topics will likely feature prominently in this Sunday’s discussions, with a mix of guests lined up across various programs.
NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday”: Rep. Mike Lawler (New York), Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), and former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro
NBC’s “Meet the Press”: Vice President J.D. Vance, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
“Face the Nation” on CBS News: Vice President J.D. Vance, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.)
CNN’s “State of the Union”: Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.
Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday”: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (New York), Virginia gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears (R), and Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
FOX News’ “Sunday Morning Futures”: Vice President J.D. Vance, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania)
ABC’s “This Week”: Vice President J.D. Vance, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (Democratic)
