<h1>President using shutdown to force spending cuts, threaten mass federal layoffs, and effect pocket rescissions under 31 U.S.C. § 1341</h1> The president is using a federal shutdown to pursue permanent and temporary spending cuts, threaten mass firings of federal employees, and withhold or rescind congressionally appropriated funds through 'pocket rescissions,' actions led by the budget director. Administration plans include blocking specific infrastructure and green-energy appropriations and prioritizing certain departments, raising separation-of-powers and statutory-appropriations concerns by effectively reallocating or lapsing funds passed by Congress. Congressional leaders dispute the tactic, warning of economic harm and legal challenge risk if layoffs occur or pocket rescissions expand. The standoff heightens litigation and oversight exposure over executive authority to unilaterally alter spending during a funding lapse.