The White House budget office has directed federal agencies to prepare reduction-in-force plans that could trigger mass layoffs in the event of a government shutdown, according to a memo obtained by Politico.

The guidance from the Office of Management and Budget would target employees working on programs not legally required to continue during a lapse in funding. Unlike standard furloughs, the plans outlined would allow for permanent workforce cuts, significantly raising the stakes ahead of a potential shutdown next week.

The move reflects the administration’s effort to reshape the federal workforce and could intensify political clashes over budget negotiations, as lawmakers scramble to avoid a lapse in funding.