Deal to End Shutdown Halts Interior RIF Plans for Now

11/17/2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Continuing Resolution and other appropriations bills passed by Congress to end the Federal government shutdown included provisions to prevent further Reductions in Force (RIF) until January 30, 2026.  The bill language states that "no federal funds may be used to initiate, carry out, implement, or otherwise notice a reduction in force to reduce the number of employees within any department, agency, or office of the Federal Government."  On January 30, 2026, the Continuing Resolution funding most of the government ends and RIFs may resume unless Congress acts to prevent further RIFs.

The Department of the Interior (Interior) had plans to eliminate over 2,000 positions across the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the U.S. Geological Survey, and other bureaus.  Positions within the Bureau of Indian Affairs did not appear on the latest list made public by Interior.  

While not directly impacting the Bureau of Indian Affairs, cuts to BLM, BOR, and other Interior offices, including, Regional Offices in Montana and Arizona, Information-Technology, Grants Management, and more will directly and in-directly impact management of Indian trust resources.  For example, on most Indian lands, the BLM approves Applications for Permits to Drill (APDs) for oil and gas resources.  Cutting BLM staff in areas where Indian tribes are developing these resources will impact the ability of tribes to develop their resources.

Interior filed its list with the Federal District Court that had issued a Temporary Restraining Order effectively prohibiting implementation of most RIF plans during the Federal government shutdown.  Interior’s RIF plans submitted to the Court are available here.  

Interior Initially argued to the Court for continuing RIF plans during the shutdown.  Interior later reversed course, stating all RIF actions are on hold, citing a lapse in appropriations. 

Stakeholders monitoring Interior anticipate that RIFs actions will start back up on January 30, 2026 unless Congress takes action to prevent further RIF plans.

Skenandore Wilson LLP is dedicated to the representation of Tribal Nations, Tribal entities, and individual Tribal members throughout Indian Country.  Our mission is to support and advance the sovereignty, self-sufficiency, and self-governance of our Tribal clients.  To learn more about how we can assist you, contact us at info@skenandorewilson.com or 608-608-1210.