Key US nuclear agency to send 80% of workforce home as shutdown drags on

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has been left with no choice but to send home nearly 80% of its workforce as the 17-day government shutdown reaches its third week. The agency's carryover reserves have dried up, leaving only essential personnel - a mere 375 staff members - to continue operating.

As the longest full funding lapse in US history continues, the NNSA is now facing critical operational challenges. The agency is responsible for managing and securing the country's nuclear stockpile, but not directly controlling operational nuclear weapons, which falls under the Pentagon's purview. Nevertheless, its non-proliferation programs aimed at preventing nuclear materials from reaching hostile nations or terrorist organizations remain essential.

The shutdown has already resulted in a significant reduction of staff, with around 1,400 employees being furloughed without pay starting on Monday. The remaining workforce will focus exclusively on hyperspecific safety operations, including monitoring nuclear materials, maintaining unique equipment, and ensuring reactor safety for navy vessels. However, most scientific research, stockpile maintenance, and global security programs have been suspended, potentially creating delays in sensitive national defense projects.

The current impasse has surpassed the 16-day funding lapse in 2013 as the longest complete government-wide shutdown in US history. The crisis has become personal for lawmakers, with Speaker Mike Johnson blaming Senate Democrats for the stalemate. Republican leaders are also growing concerned about potential airport disruptions during the upcoming Thanksgiving travel period if the standoff continues.

As the situation unfolds, Energy Secretary Chris Wright is set to visit the NNSA site in Las Vegas on Monday to discuss the impacts of the shutdown on America's nuclear deterrent. With hundreds of thousands of federal employees still furloughed or working without pay, the nation's ability to maintain its nuclear security is now being put to the test.

Ugh I feel bad for these 1,400 people who are getting fired... like what even is a shutdown? Can't they just find some compromise or something? And it's not like NNSA doesn't have enough money in its reserves to keep everyone on. It's just a big mess. I mean I get why they're having to cut back, but 80% of the staff getting sent home is ridiculous.

this government shutdown is getting crazy 80% of the NNSA staff gotta go? that's like, a whole lot of people what about all the projects they were working on? it's not just about the nuclear stuff, it's about national defense and security too

i feel bad for those furloughed employees, they're basically being sent home without pay and now the rest of the staff is gotta pick up the slack? that's a heavy burden i just hope lawmakers can figure out their differences soon before it's too late

I'm low-key freaking out about this government shutdown ... like, what's going on? The NNSA has basically been left with no one to supervise the nukes . I get it, we need a budget and all that, but can't they find a way to make some exceptions for stuff like nuclear safety? It's like they're playing with fire ... literally.

I mean, have you seen those vids of the Navy's reactors on ships? They're always humming along, but what happens when the humans are gone? The thought alone is giving me anxiety . And don't even get me started on the scientific research stuff... I'm all for budget cuts, but this is where we need our brains .

I'm not trying to be a hater, but it's hard not to wonder if some lawmakers are more worried about their own egos than actual national security . And can someone please explain what's going on with the airport disruptions? I don't wanna get stuck in Vegas because of some politician drama .

Anyway, back to the NNSA... yeah, 375 staff members is basically a skeleton crew . Can we PLEASE get this sorted out ASAP?!

Ugh, this gov't shutdown is like, soooo frustrating . Like, 80% of the NNSA staff getting let go? That's crazy! Who do they even think they're gonna get to keep on board for these super important nuclear safety ops? I mean, don't get me wrong, safety first and all that jazz, but come on... this is just one more example of how gov't bureaucracy can fail us in a big way . And what's with the finger-pointing between lawmakers? Can't they just work together for once?

Ugh this is crazy 80% of their workforce gone? How are they even supposed to keep everything under control? And what about all those people who are out of work? It's like, I get that funding issues happen but this feels so reckless. Can't we just find a way to compromise or something? I mean the whole country is affected by this and it's just getting more and more ridiculous

ugh this is crazy 80% of the workforce gone and it's like they're really going to be able to keep everything running smoothly with just a few hundred people?! i mean i get that you gotta make tough choices but isn't there some kinda contingency plan in place or something? it seems like they're just winging it here.

and what even is the deal with all these shutdowns? it feels like they're playing this game of chicken and we're the ones getting hurt i mean yeah maybe senate democrats and republicans can't agree but does that really affect people's lives on a daily basis?

i don't know man i'm just worried about what's gonna happen when the actual threats come knocking. if they can barely keep the nsa running, how are we supposed to protect ourselves?

omg u guys i just cant even right now ... 80% of their staff got laid off because of a gov shutdown?! like whats the point of even having a government if they can't take care of the ppl who make things happen?? i mean idk how many times we've heard about the nuclear stockpile and stuff but seriously dont we need ppl to keep it safe?? its not just about politics, its about national security... and now they're gonna mess up on that too

OMG, this government shutdown is getting crazy ! Like, 80% of the NNSA workforce being sent home? That's a huge deal . I'm really worried about how our country's nuclear stockpile and non-proliferation programs are going to get affected . The fact that most scientific research and global security programs have been suspended is super concerning . And can you imagine if the shutdown continues during the Thanksgiving travel period? Airports could be super backed up . I just hope they figure something out ASAP . It's like, we need our nuclear security to stay safe, right? So, please guys just come to an agreement already !