federal government

Ahead of the country’s 250th birthday, the bedrock principles of federalism — the uniquely American system of power sharing between Washington and the states — are being tested.

The IRS taxpayer assistance office in Missoula closed due to the government shutdown on Wednesday, surprising some taxpayers who needed the agency's assistance in meeting the next deadline.

Trump said he will likely announce mass layoffs of federal employees in the next week and opened the door to canceling funding approved by Congress if the shutdown persists.

Projections indicate about 750,000 federal workers would be furloughed, leading to a $400 million impact per day.

The federal government started shutting down early Wednesday after Congress failed to approve a funding bill before the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Vicky Byrd writes, "Prioritizing tax breaks for the wealthy over the health and safety of working families is not helping Montana’s communities."

A funding lapse this year would have a considerably wider effect than the 35-day one that took place during Trump’s first term and could last longer, given heightened political tensions.

The White House has sent guidance to departments and agencies, telling them that if a shutdown begins Wednesday, they’re expected to institute mass firings and layoffs.

Labor advocacy groups warned that President Trump’s cuts to the federal workforce would be impossible to undo.

Ansley Erickson writes, "Out of love for those who are no longer here, we have to fight to keep crucial government services. We can see beyond the bluster, because we know that our lives are not short-term cost savings."