Energy Secretary Chris Wright

The ongoing US government shutdown, which began on October 1, has severely impacted the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), leaving it with only eight days of funding for the safety and maintenance of the nation’s nuclear arsenal. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned that after eight days, an emergency shutdown procedure would be necessary, posing a risk to national security. The NNSA would be forced to furlough staff if the funding is not restored, a crisis triggered by the failure of Republican and Democratic parties to agree on a funding bill.