Three-Quarters of White House Staff Would Be Furloughed in Shutdown

Is that an argument in favor?

Nearly three-quarters of White House employees would be furloughed during a government shutdown, according to a contingency plan created by the administration.

According to a letter prepared for the Office of Management and Budget, some 1,265 White House employees would be sent home if lawmakers are unable to strike an agreement Monday to keep the government open. Approximately 436 presidential staffers would be designated as exempt and continue working despite a shutdown.

"The White House will maintain minimal staffing consistent with supporting the president in the discharge of his constitutional duties, including staff required to work with the Congress in the enactment of appropriations," Katy Kale, the assistant to the president for management and administration, said in the letter.