White House Gets Ready To Navigate Potential Government Shutdown As Funding Deadline Nears

In anticipation of a possible government shutdown, the White House is preparing for potential operational changes, CNN reported.

Senior West Wing officials are determining which personnel would be classified as “essential” starting Oct. 1, as the deadline to fund the government draws nearer.

Most of President Joe Biden‘s top aides are expected to be deemed essential, ensuring they won’t be furloughed. The preparation for this scenario began in earnest last Friday when the Office of Management and Budget initiated its formal process.

Historically, White House employees carrying the title "Special Assistant to the President" have been considered essential. The 2023 directory listed 97 employees with this title.

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As the likely shutdown looms, President Biden plans to stay in Washington over the weekend, a deviation from his usual routine of leaving for Delaware or Camp David.

Despite Senate leadership reaching an agreement to keep the government open through Nov. 17, the outcome remains uncertain due to unpredictability surrounding House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s next moves.

The White House is not confident a mutually agreed deal can be reached within the next few days with a shutdown becoming more likely as each day passes.

The White House continues to closely monitor the ongoing negotiations on Capitol Hill. However, without a direct role in the negotiations, the strategy has been as much about messaging as it is about finding a funding solution.

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