The White House is warning federal agencies to prepare for mass firings, not just furloughs, if the gov�t shuts down next week, as Republicans and Democrats bicker over health care and spending. A White House memo says jobs tied to lapsed funding and �not consistent with the President�s priorities� could be permanently cut � a sharp break from past shutdowns. Dem leaders Schumer & Jeffries blasted the move as intimidation, vowing not to cave.
