What would it take?

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by MTK

How long is the freeze going to last though?

Here is an article on the guidelines from OMB:
OMB releases initial hiring freeze guidance for agencies - FederalNewsRadio.com
a few bullet points:

• temporarily prohibits agencies from making new hires until OMB develops a long-term plan within the next 90 days to reduce the size of the federal workforce through attrition
• Individuals who received a job offer or an appointment before Jan. 22, received a confirmation from the agency and received a start date on or before Feb. 22, 2017 should report to work on that day
• [for job offers without a start date (or starts after Feb 22)]Agency heads should consider merit system principles, essential mission priorities and current agency resources and funding levels when making determinations whether or not to revoke appointments
• agencies that they can make “limited” exemptions to the hiring freeze if they determine that those jobs are necessary to maintain public safety or national security

also here is an article about the VA and the exemptions for Doctors/medical practicioners as well as some construction projects