Larson Applauds Court Order Protecting Federal Workers from Trump Firing Spree

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after a federal judge issued an order temporarily blocking the Trump Administration from conducting mass layoffs of federal workers during the Republican shutdown. Late Friday night, Trump officials took steps to fire 4,000 workers, including the entire Office of Special Education and staff who oversee the National Suicide Prevention Hotline and mental health services. 

“After Donald Trump shut down the government to rip health care away from millions of Americans, he turned his ire to the civil servants who keep our government running,” said Larson. “While workers go without pay and millions of Americans brace for higher health care premiums, this president is focused on rewarding his wealthy friends at the expense of the people he’s sworn to serve. His weekend firing spree decimated offices that serve students with special needs, oversee mental health and addiction services, and hold wealthy tax cheats accountable. Judge Illston made the right decision today. I will continue to stand with AFGE, AFSCME, and every worker fighting back against Donald Trump’s abuses of power. Democrats are ready to end this shutdown, protect health care, and rein in his authoritarian power grab. We know how to stand up to a bully. Will our Republican colleagues find the backbone to stand up to their lawless president?”