Scoop: 20,000 federal workers take "buyout" so far, official says

• The offer is open through Thursday, meaning the total could rise, despite heavy opposition from unions and others.

What they're saying: "We expect more to come. If you see what's happening at USAID, it's just one piece of the puzzle," the official said, referring to the rapid restructuring of the federal agency that oversees foreign aid programs.

• Aside from the pace of resignations, the official said, the administration is still trying to implement a hiring freeze.
• It has proven trickier than expected because some agencies are still taking on new workers.

Catch up quick: The buyout offer entitles federal employees to stop working more or less immediately and continue to be paid through Sept. 30.

• Critics argue the offer is illegal, there's no real guarantee people will get paid out, and it's something Congress would need to authorize.

• The administration rejects those assertions and says it's following through on a promise to restructure the federal government.

The intrigue: The federal workforce's normal attrition rate is about 6% a year, meaning some of those who've taken the buyout may have been planning to leave government service anyway.

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with comments from an official.