DHS orders thousands of furloughed employees back to work ...
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered thousands of furloughed employees back to work, even as the agency technically remains shut down and unfunded by Congress.
www.cbsnews.comHere’s the latest on DHS furloughed employees being recalled, based on recent reporting:
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DHS has ordered thousands of furloughed employees back to work and placed many in paid status, even though large portions of the department remain unfunded by Congress during the ongoing shutdown. This recall includes staff across agencies such as FEMA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and was communicated to employees with instructions to report on their next scheduled duty day. These moves are framed by the administration as necessary for national security and disaster readiness, with pay drawn from "available funds" that could be temporary. If those funds run out, employees may receive another status notification. Sources include CBS News reports and multiple outlets covering the administration’s directive and its implications.[1][4]
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Estimates circulated in coverage suggest that hundreds to over a thousand DHS staff could be affected. For example, reports indicate roughly 60% of CISA’s workforce being recalled, and similar recall actions affecting FEMA personnel, highlighting the scale of the measure amid the extended shutdown. Coverage emphasizes the unusual nature of recalling furloughed workers during a funding lapse and the associated uncertainties about ongoing pay and funding sources.[2][3]
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The recall has drawn commentary about the legal and policy implications, including questions under the Antideficiency Act and the longer-term effects on immigration services, visa processing, and travel programs. Some outlets frame the move as a temporary measure funded by redirected or emergency funds, with potential for reshuffling funding as political negotiations continue. Multiple outlets describe these concerns and the evolving funding narrative surrounding the recall.[3]
What this means for you:
- If you have DHS colleagues or family affected, expect potential changes in your holiday or off-pay periods to be affected by the recall status, and be prepared for possible further updates if funding status changes.
- For ongoing work, ensure you follow any official notices from your agency about reporting days and pay status, as these may shift if Congress authorizes funding or if the administration reallocates funds.
Would you like me to pull the latest status for a specific DHS sub-agency (e.g., FEMA, TSA, CISA) or summarize the key dates and official memos mentioned in these reports? I can also set up a brief timeline of the recall events if that would be helpful.