Overview

• U.S. District Judge Susan Illston issued a temporary restraining order barring further RIF notices tied to the shutdown and freezing implementation of recent notices.
• The ruling followed lawsuits by AFGE and AFSCME, with the judge saying the evidence suggests the cuts are likely unlawful, in excess of authority, and politically driven.
• Justice Department attorneys declined to defend the legality of the firings at the hearing and argued the court lacked jurisdiction to grant the unions’ request.
• Court filings and agency notices indicate about 4,000 workers across eight agencies received layoff notices, and OMB Director Russell Vought said the total could climb to roughly 10,000.
• The shutdown persists after another failed Senate vote to reopen the government, the administration is expected to appeal, and industry leaders warn of operational risks including to aviation.