Congress warns of mass layoffs impacting federal workers and public services

The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss pressing issues within the Financial Services and General Government sectors. A significant focus of the meeting was the recent termination of National Park Service staff at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which has raised concerns about the impact on local economies and park operations.

A committee member highlighted that the layoffs, which occurred without notice, affect not only the livelihoods of the 6,000,000 annual visitors to Lake Mead but also the essential roles these workers play in maintaining the park. The member expressed deep concern over the broader implications of these cuts, which extend to various federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The discussion emphasized that many of the affected federal workers are veterans themselves, underscoring a commitment to care for those who have served. The member criticized the layoffs as a violation of this commitment, arguing that they undermine the integrity of public service and threaten the operational capacity of essential government functions.

Furthermore, the committee addressed a recent memo from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management, which provided guidance on conducting large-scale layoffs. Concerns were raised about the potential intimidation tactics being employed by the management team at Doze, including requests for federal employees to justify their roles in a manner deemed a national security risk.

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from committee members to protect the federal workforce against what they described as illegal and unprecedented attacks on worker rights and protections. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for a reevaluation of policies affecting federal employees and the critical services they provide to the nation.