Shutdown Stalls Tech and Telecom Oversight Across Washington

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2025 – Ten days into the U.S. government shutdown, federal agencies that regulate the nation’s technology and telecommunications sectors remain largely paralyzed by furloughs.

The uncertainty for federal workers deepened Friday, when White House Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought confirmed that federal “reduction-in-force” plans were underway. The announcement followed reports earlier in the week that the White House may seek to deny back pay to furloughed employees once the shutdown ends.

The shutdown has left much of Washington’s digital policy workforce paralyzed, stalling a long list of regulatory actions that were supposed to occur this week.