In a worst-case scenario if Speaker Mike Johnson carries out his threat of a yearlong continuing resolution, large-scale furloughs of federal workers, contract cancellations and severe disruptions in a range of government services are likely, according to Senate Appropriations aides.
In one example provided by GOP staff, the Federal Aviation Administration would be forced into a hiring freeze and could have to furlough workers for more than 20 days if across-the-board cuts that would trigger under a full-year continuing resolution take effect.
Johnson, R-La., is taking a hard line in negotiations with Democrats over spending ceilings for final 2024 appropriations bills in part because of the leverage he has with those automatic cuts as a backstop.
