"NASA's JPL in California to Lay Off 530 Workers Due to Funding Shortage"

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California is laying off 530 workers and 40 contractors due to a lack of federal funding, representing about 8% of its workforce, as it awaits funding for the Mars Sample Return mission. The lab had already implemented cost-cutting measures, including a hiring freeze and reduced contracts, but the layoffs became necessary to adhere to budget constraints. Employees impacted by the layoffs will receive base pay and benefits for 60 days, as well as severance packages and transitional benefits. U.S. Rep. Judy Chu is working to reverse the budget cuts and restore funding to support scientific discovery at JPL.