LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The ongoing government shutdown is now impacting the agency responsible for overseeing the nation’s nuclear stockpile, leading to the furlough of approximately 1,400 workers from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright made the announcement in Las Vegas, where he highlighted the significant consequences for national security operations and the livelihoods of thousands of families. Secretary Wright confirmed that while around 400 NNSA personnel nationwide would remain on duty, a substantial portion of the workforce would be affected. In Nevada alone, 68 workers are slated for furlough.
Addressing concerns about the broader impact, Wright emphasized that the Department of Energy is actively working to maintain funding for federal contractors operating at nuclear sites.
“This is thousands of families that are working hard patriots to support our country and build the systems critical to protect the sovereignty of our nation,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “We want to keep those families employed and keep the stress level as low as possible.”
Nevada is a critical hub for nuclear operations, with over 3,000 contractors employed in the state. The administration’s efforts to secure their continued employment underscore the importance of these roles in maintaining national security infrastructure amidst the government shutdown.
Congressman Steven Horsford shared a response to the announcement of impending furloughs.
“For every federal employee that this administration furloughs, there is a family going without an income and bills going unpaid,” Congressman Steven Horsford said. “As the third week of this Republican-led shutdown draws to a close, I’m appalled that Trump and Wright are using the GOP’s failure to govern as an excuse to threaten the livelihoods of Nevada’s dedicated public servants.
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