 "The agency responsible for safeguarding the US nuclear stockpile began placing the vast majority of its staff on enforced leave on October 20, 2025 (AFP)")
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) began placing most of its staff on unpaid leave Monday after another congressional vote to end the US government shutdown failed. Around 1,400 federal employees were issued furlough notices while nearly 400 staff remain on duty to protect property and human safety, a Department of Energy spokesperson confirmed.
The agency, which manages the US nuclear arsenal of 5,177 warheads—1,770 of which are deployed—also oversees 60,000 contractors involved in designing, manufacturing, servicing, and securing the weapons. Initial furloughs are expected to affect nuclear assembly sites such as Pantex in Texas and Y-12 in Tennessee.
Political stalemate and economic pressure
The shutdown, now in its 20th day, is the longest full federal closure in US history. President Donald Trump has urged Democrats to cooperate with Republicans to reopen the government, warning of deeper service cuts and widespread layoffs. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett projected a possible end to the shutdown “some time this week” but signalled stronger measures could follow if negotiations stall.
Democrats have insisted on renewing expiring health care subsidies for 24 million Americans as a precondition for backing a House-passed funding resolution. Senate Republicans have offered a vote on the matter, yet Democrats maintain any deal would be ineffective without Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson’s approval. Monday’s Senate vote on reopening the government failed for the 11th time.
Federal employees face missing their full biweekly pay for the first time this Thursday, while military personnel pay adds further urgency. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that health insurance premiums in states like Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland could rise by up to $24,000 per year for some Americans in 2026 if the shutdown continues.