MD Senators To Host Town Hall For Federal Workers Affected By Buyouts

MARYLAND — Maryland senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks will host a town hall meeting on Wednesday for federal workers affected by President Donald Trump's buyout program.

According to a news release, the Democratic senators answer questions and provide an update on Trump's deferred resignation program — commonly described as a buyout — and how they're "fighting back during this unprecedented and challenging time.”

The senators will be joined by Rob Shriver of Democracy Forward, an organization taking legal actions to "stop this abuse of power," according to their statement.

Trump's plan to downsize the federal workforce remains on hold following a hearing on Monday during which U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. said a stay put in place would remain until he issues a ruling on the program.

Trump wants to use financial incentives to encourage government employees to quit. According to the White House, 65,000 workers had taken the government up on its offer as of Friday.

The deferred resignation program has been spearheaded by Elon Musk, who is serving as Trump’s top adviser for reducing federal spending. Under the plan, employees can stop working and get paid until Sept. 30.

But labor unions have said the plan is illegal. They asked for O'Toole to keep it on hold and prevent the Office of Personnel Management, or OPM, from soliciting more workers to sign up.

To join the call, sign up to be dialed in here. By signing up, participants will receive a call to join the telephone town hall at about 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The deadline to sign up to for the call is 9 a.m. Wednesday.

For anyone who would prefer to listen in but not join the call via phone, they can also join a livestream of the town hall here.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.