Summary
A government shutdown has led to the furlough of many workers at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which handles key nuclear responsibilities for the U.S. About 80% of NNSA's workforce is impacted, affecting nuclear weapons sites nationwide. The shutdown began due to a funding disagreement in Congress.
Key Facts
- Approximately 1,400 of the NNSA’s federal employees are furloughed, with about 400 still working on essential tasks.
- The NNSA is crucial for maintaining and modernizing the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
- The NNSA has never furloughed workers since it was formed in 2000.
- The government shutdown started because Congress couldn't agree on a spending bill, partly due to disagreements over healthcare funding.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted economic impacts, saying the shutdown is affecting people's lives.
- Key nuclear sites impacted include Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia Labs, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Pantex Plant, Y-12 National Security Complex, and Savannah River Site.
- About 100,000 contractors and subcontractors connected to the NNSA are also affected.
- The House Armed Services Chair mentioned national security risks due to the furlough, blaming Senate Democrats for blocking a funding stopgap.
