Proposed Federal Budget Cuts Could Sink United States into a Recession

President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Matt Biggs, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed federal budget cuts for the 2024 Fiscal Year and its potential impact on many programs.

A recent proposal in the U.S. Congress calls for potential budget cuts that Biggs referred to as “Draconian” in nature. He believes the result of the proposed cuts would create a budget similar to that of fiscal year 2015, a move he believes our current economy wouldn’t be able to handle.

The proposed cuts would impact many assistance programs according to Biggs. Social Security field offices would face cuts to the available workers. Veteran’s Affairs and VA programs would also face a cut of nearly 22 percent to its workforce. Most concerning for Biggs as a union president are the potential cuts to pensions plans, despite the funding already having been approved through previous legislation. 

Nearly one-third of the active members of the IFPTE will be impacted if the proposed federal budget cuts are made. Federal employees working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, U.S. Navy Shipyards and within the energy industry would all face potential job cuts. The Federal Aviation Administration would face a loss of air traffic controllers, creating an understaffed workforce and possibly leading to greater safety concerns for air travel. Beyond IFPTE members, Biggs added that these cuts could eliminate nearly 7 million jobs, potentially creating a recession.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more. President Biggs follows an interview with APWU President Mark Dimondstein.