The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is grappling with a severe financial crisis that may force the agency to furlough employees, according to insider sources. The funding crunch stems from a series of budgetary constraints imposed by Congress and exacerbated by the Trump administration’s refusal to allocate fresh funds since taking control of the agency in February. The administration had initially aimed to reduce the CFPB’s workforce by 90%, but these plans have been stalled due to ongoing legal challenges from employee unions and consumer advocacy groups. As a result, the agency continues to bear the financial burden of paying most employees despite its dwindling resources. Last week, CFPB leadership informed staff of potential workforce reductions to comply with additional funding limits set by Congress. On Thursday, sources revealed that senior officials are now considering furloughs—temporary suspensions without pay—though the scope and timeline of such measures remain unclear. The agency’s financial woes are further compounded by Congress’s decision to slash the CFPB’s maximum draw from the Federal Reserve from 12% to 6.5% of the Fed’s expenses, effectively cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from its budget. In a bid to conserve cash, the CFPB has directed contracting officers to minimize payouts for goods and services, prioritizing payroll and operational costs. With the next fiscal year set to begin in less than two weeks, concerns are mounting that the agency may lack sufficient funds to cover payroll and severance expenses. CFPB representatives have yet to comment on the matter.