Nuclear Workforce Facing Mass Layoffs Amid Government Shutdown

As of October 17, 2025, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the agency responsible for designing, building, maintaining, and securing the US nuclear weapons arsenal, is facing significant staff furloughs and layoffs due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the NNSA's carryover funding is running out, potentially impacting up to 80% of its employees. Wright warned that "starting next week, we're going to have to let go tens of thousands... of workers that are critical to our national security." This comes after the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Congressman Mike Rogers, informed reporters that the NNSA would have to lay off 80% of its staff.

While the layoffs and furloughs will affect the majority of the NNSA's workforce, Wright emphasized that safety, security, and emergency personnel will remain on duty to ensure the existing nuclear arsenal remains intact and secure. However, the agency is concerned about the long-term impact, with Wright acknowledging that "we do not want to lose experienced people" and that the layoffs could make the NNSA a less attractive place to work.

The federal government shutdown, which has now entered its second week with no end in sight, is the primary driver behind the NNSA's staffing crisis. As the agency's carryover funding dries up, it has been forced to make the difficult decision to furlough and lay off a significant portion of its workforce, which could have serious implications for the safety and security of the US nuclear program.