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On day 10 of the U.S. government shutdown, the Trump administration began laying off federal workers, budget chief Russell Vought said, with OMB calling the reductions “substantial.” HHS and Treasury employees received RIF notices; HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon blamed a “Democrat-led” shutdown and said the department is closing “wasteful and duplicative” entities. Unions countered fast, saying a lawsuit has been filed and vowing to see the administration in court. The clash deepens a standoff in which Senate funding plans have failed repeatedly as Democrats seek extended ACA tax credits and Republicans lack the 60 votes to advance a bill.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.