Democrats float RIF reversals as shutdown demand
Source: Politico
10/15/2025 06:30 PM EDT
President Donald Trumps decision to fire thousands of federal workers this month was meant to pressure Democrats into quickly ending the government shutdown. Instead, it could have the opposite effect.
As the shutdown enters its 15th day, many Democrats say they want a commitment that employees subjected to reductions-in-force, or RIFs, will be rehired before they agree to reopen the government even as courts independently act to curb the firings. Itd be pretty unconscionable to open it up and still have to put up with those thousands and thousands of firings, said Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who represents a fed-heavy district bordering Washington.
Negotiating the fates of those workers could further complicate the path out of the shutdown, with Democrats already demanding the extension of key expiring health insurance subsidies and an end to Trumps moves to cancel congressionally approved spending. Beyer said he would leave it to the top Hill Democrats House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to figure out whether a U-turn needs to be written into legislation. But it definitely should be fully reversed, he said.
Federal workers and their advocates won an early victory Wednesday when a California-based federal judge halted some of the layoffs on a temporary basis.
Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/15/democrats-float-rif-reversals-as-shutdown-demand-00610498
KS Toronado
(21,672 posts)While reading the above this popped into my head as a sign for No Kings.
MLWR
(626 posts)and sooner rather than later. The shut-down just pushed up the dates and allowed him to vent his rage on these folks. He's given to rages anyhow when he's crossed or doesn't get his way immediately. He has no self-control whatsoever.
COL Mustard
(7,731 posts)I'm glad to see this develop! As far as I know my Department is not being threatened with RIFs but it wouldn't surprise me at all.
Thanks, Don Beyer! Keep up the pressure...and make sure to include language about back pay in whatever CR is finally approved!
EarthFirst
(3,878 posts)I support this as a co-rider to the list of shutdown demands!
Username1234
(36 posts)I'm not sure what's gotten into our Democrats, but yes! Every time the GOP tries to twist the screws, Dems need to raise their demands in kind and not back down!
Stay strong, Dems!
(And then don't forget to make a last minute additional demand right after they agree to the original demands.)
republianmushroom
(21,748 posts)Never trust a republican and get it in writing and in front of a camera.
pecosbob
(8,146 posts)Sorry...that was the deal we offered yesterday. Today it's going to cost you more...and even more tomorrow.