FCC

FCC Prepares for Mass Furloughs Amid Looming Government Shutdown

Agency’s previous contingency projected retaining just 12 percent of staff

Jericho Casper

Sep 26, 2025 — 4 min read

Photo of the Federal Communications Commission’s meeting room in Washington, from the FCC's site.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2025 – The clock is ticking toward a federal government shutdown, with funding set to lapse Oct. 1, first thing Wednesday morning, and little sign of a clear path to avoid it.

While shutdown threats are not uncommon in Washington, this one could prove more consequential: The White House directed agencies to prepare for permanent layoffs – not just temporary furloughs – if the government closes next week.

At the Federal Communications Commission, officials were already preparing to scale back.

Post tagged in

FCC White House Scott Delacourt Media Institute PBS OMB USF WRC DOGE Anna Gomez Brendan Carr Jessica Rosenworcel John Thune

Member discussion

Sens. Cruz and Welch Introduce Satellite Streamlining Act

Measure would require FCC satellite license decisions within one year.

Cogeco's Breezeline Expects to Grow U.S. Broadband Subscribers Starting in a Few Quarters

Cogeco executives voiced confidence in a sustained upward subscriber trend after slashing broadband sub losses in the most recent quarter.

Oklahoma Broadband Office Celebrates First Completed Broadband Expansion Projects

State office brings first of many Rescue Plan Act-funded broadband projects online.

Pew: Technology Divides Persist Amid Increased Reliance on Smartphones

As smartphone use increases, broadband subscriptions have decreased, the survey found.

Popular Tags

FCC

Senate Commerce Committee United in Support of Limiting Kids’ Screen Time

Broadband's Impact

BEAD

Louisiana’s GUMBO Program Delivers Fiber to Rural Allen Parish

NTIA

Lawmakers Warn Digital Trade Rules Will Shape U.S. AI Leadership

Infrastructure

Dean Bubley: CBRS Shared Spectrum Critical for U.S. Wireless Innovation

AT&T