This commentary applies everywhere in the federal government and is based on personal experience.
The simplest way to effect change in the federal government is through discretionary spending. Discretionary spending is stuff like, paper clips, No.2 pencils, lap tops, desk tops, travel, new projects, furniture etc. etc. etc.
The vast majority of discretionary spending occurs in the 4th quarter and in government parlance is called “use it or lose it”. In other words IF you don’t spend all the money that Congress appropriated for the current fiscal year, the next fiscal year you’ll receive less. That’s the game.
Discretionary spending has nothing at all to do with mission, or keeping agency doors open, or SS checks from being sent out. It is nothing but Christmas in September.
IF all discretionary spending was cut by 50% right now — no one would ever know it; except, of course, the GS 12 who was looking forward to a European vacation on our dime or the GS 9 who just wanted a new stapler from Uncle Sam.
The federal budget is a game and once you change the rules you can win the game.
And here is the unexpected result — when you cut discretionary spending and you impose an hiring freeze… people leave government employment. Its true. It’s akin to President Trump announcing deportation of illegal immigrants and watching the self-deportation begin.
If you really want to go for broke add a Reduction in Force (RIF) to the mix. You can call it a “lay off” leaving hope that the person laid off will called back or you can call it what it really is — a reduction in the total number of people in the federal workforce – e.g. Thank you for your service and good luck in you future endeavors.