How cuts and $1 payment limits are making federal jobs harder

How cuts and $1 payment limits are making federal jobs harder toggle caption Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images The National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center in Carr, Colo., is at risk of losing heat and power as its remaining employees rush to prepare for the animal's breeding season. Sponsor Message The Interior Department is reeling from the firings of probationary employees and President Trump's Feb. 26 order issuing a 30-day freeze on government payment cards. Sponsor Message "Under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, we are eliminating wasteful programs, cutting unnecessary costs, and ensuring every dollar serves a clear purpose," said J. Elizabeth Peace, an Interior Department spokesperson, in a statement to NPR in response to a list of questions about the impacts of the spending freeze and job cuts described in this story. Despite the order's call for exceptions for "disaster relief or natural disaster response benefits or operations or other critical services as determined by the Agency Head," Interior employees say the spending limit combined with restrictions on travel is affecting critical Interior Department work across the nation, particularly in far-flung regional offices that have unique needs. toggle caption Kylie Cooper/Getty Images The $1 cap is affecting "the literal nuts and bolts" of the agency's work, according to a second U.S. Geological Survey worker.