Sign in Subscribe
Workers

Nuclear Weapons Workers Furloughed as US Government Shutdown Drags On

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The US government shutdown has forced the furlough of over 1,400 employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), while 400 workers will remain on the job to maintain safety and security, according to a spokesman for the Department of Energy. This is the first time NNSA staff have been furloughed during a government shutdown. The shutdown is expected to impact modernisation plans for the US nuclear arsenal, which is projected to cost over $900bn over the next decade. The situation has raised concerns among nuclear weapons control experts and lawmakers, who warn that the furloughed workers are essential to maintaining national security.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 1,400 NNSA employees will be furloughed due to the government shutdown, with 400 workers staying on the job to maintain safety and security.
  • This is the first time NNSA staff have been furloughed during a government shutdown.
  • Modernisation plans for the US nuclear arsenal may be impacted, with the shutdown affecting critical workers.
  • The shutdown could lead to tens of thousands of contractors being laid off, compromising national security.
  • The Trump administration has been criticised for not adequately valuing nuclear safety and security, despite calls to find alternative funding.
  • The NNSA works with 60,000 contractors to maintain and test nuclear weapons at national laboratories and other locations.
  • Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, has criticised the potential cuts, stating that the Trump administration can find alternative funding if they truly value nuclear safety and security.
  • The shutdown has also raised concerns among lawmakers, with Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, warning that the furloughed workers are essential to maintaining national security.
  • Modernising America's nuclear arsenal is projected to cost more than $900bn over the next decade, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
  • The Department of Energy has stated that it will not furlough workers on emergency services, but the shutdown will impact the modernisation of the nuclear weapons programme.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,400 NNSA employees will be furloughed during the government shutdown.
  • 400 workers will remain on the job to maintain safety and security.
  • 60,000 contractors work with the NNSA to maintain and test nuclear weapons.
  • Tens of thousands of contractors could be laid off due to the shutdown.
  • The Trump administration has called for an increase in NNSA spending, with costs projected to rise by 29 per cent from $19bn to $25bn in the next fiscal year.
  • Modernising America's nuclear arsenal is projected to cost more than $900bn over the next decade.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • USA Today
  • CNN
  • Bloomberg
  • The Congressional Budget Office
  • The Arms Control Association
  • The Department of Energy

Read more