Office Management Budget Plans Large-Scale Federal Firings Amid Potential Government Shutdown

Travis Frantz, a high school freshman from Ogemaw County, participated in the Citizenship Washington Focus program, where he toured significant landmarks in Washington, D.C., and met with Senator Gary Peters and Representative Elissa Slotkin, an experience he describes as life-changing and inspiring for his future civic involvement. Meanwhile, the White House has directed federal agencies to prepare for large-scale layoffs of federal employees if a government shutdown occurs, marking a more severe approach than previous shutdowns where non-essential workers were furloughed temporarily. In California, members of the United Chamber Advocacy Network engaged in legislative visits to discuss key business-related policy issues such as artificial intelligence, housing, infrastructure, and workplace safety with state legislators, highlighting efforts to address Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit abuses through proposed legislation. These activities reflect ongoing civic engagement at multiple government levels, from youth participation to federal workforce management and state business advocacy.