First of all, we can probably safely assume Vivek Ramaswamy has an even Social Security number.
First of all, cutting employees in half across the board would be a very interesting endeavor, no matter what metric is used.
I know trying to get a Social Security appointment is a nightmare as it is. Just think if they cut the number of agents in half.
Then the actual conversations might go like this.
Bill, you’ve been here at the Department of Energy for 15 years, have an unblemished record, multiple superior service awards, unfortunately your Social Security number is odd, so your fired.
Charles, you’ve been here at the Department of Energy for 5 years, you are a total ■■■■ off, your reviews are horrible, I have been trying to get rid of you but the union and/or Merit Systems Protection Board keep getting your job back, but you have an even Social Security number, so carry on.
Ramaswamy is just a loon. Trying to out “trump” Trump, but can’t quite manage it.
It’s called a reduction in force (RIF). Just apply Qualitative Management Guidelines like DOD uses. But it will take Congress actually reducing the authorized strength of the Federal Workforce.
All of this talk about cutting the size of government and then nothing happens. It is bad press to lay-off a whole bunch of folks. I see some folks here posting that a government shutdown is no big deal. Yet there were about 800K federal employees who were furloughed during the last shutdown. And how many of them were living pay check to pay check. For some folks it can be a really big deal. I would support a small bite package. Start by cutting all government agencies by 0.01%, let the agencies absorb the hit and see how it goes.
Let’s start with the all of the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, the Dept. of Education, those with the DoJ over 20 years plus the additional IRS agents and then let’s see how many more are necessary to total half?