Story perspectives

GSA Recalling Laid-Off Workers Amid Investigation and Staffing Crisis

9/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) is recalling employees laid off during Elon Musk's cost-cutting.
Employees must decide by week’s end whether to return by October 6 after a seven-month paid absence.
Former official Chad Becker says the cuts left GSA "broken and understaffed."
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating GSA's workforce management and lease terminations, with findings soon.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown led to the furlough of around 800,000 federal employees, severely affecting agencies like the General Services Administration (GSA). This event highlighted ongoing workforce management issues, prompting investigations by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) aimed at reforming staffing practices to prevent future crises. The GSA's operational challenges continue to resonate today, as noted by former official Chad Becker.

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Story summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) is recalling employees laid off during Elon Musk's cost-cutting.
Employees must decide by week’s end whether to return by October 6 after a seven-month paid absence.
Former official Chad Becker says the cuts left GSA "broken and understaffed."
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is investigating GSA's workforce management and lease terminations, with findings soon.

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