Judge Extends Block On Shutdown Firings, Citing ‘Political Retribution’

A federal judge has extended a block on reductions in force (RIFs) at EPA and other agencies during the government shutdown, saying unions are likely correct that the Trump administration’s firing plans are illegally haphazard, politically motivated and based on the false notion that the shutdown allows for the elimination of statutorily required functions. The order means that EPA must not conduct planned firings in the waste and chemical offices -- in addition to any other RIF plans that may...