Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee has strengthened his stance in the ongoing legal battle against mass terminations of federal employees, joining a coalition of local governments in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief opposes the federal government’s request to halt a United States District Court Judge’s preliminary injunction, which previously ruled against the Trump administration’s directive to terminate thousands of federal workers. This marks the third time Menefee has engaged in efforts to challenge these widespread dismissals, underscoring Harris County’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding essential public services, including emergency management and public safety.

The District Court had determined that the federal government acted unlawfully when it ordered agencies to dismiss thousands of employees, mandating their reinstatement. However, the administration has since appealed the ruling, now seeking intervention from the Supreme Court to block the reinstatement process.

Menefee emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “People deserve to know that they have a stable federal government working on critical issues like emergency management and healthcare. Local governments rely on federal partners for important matters like disaster response, health and science information, and environmental issues. Public servants deserve better than having their jobs thrown into limbo like this.”

The amicus brief, filed in American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, et al. v. United States Office of Personnel Management, et al., highlights the indispensable role federal employees play in national and local crisis response. Over the past four years, FEMA has responded to 278 disasters, providing essential relief such as food, water, and medical supplies. The sudden removal of federal personnel jeopardizes these operations, placing communities at risk and straining local governments that depend on federal coordination. Additionally, agencies like the CDC and FDA are crucial in managing disease outbreaks, distributing emergency medications, and protecting public health. Disrupting these agencies weakens the nation’s ability to respond to crises effectively.

Menefee further stressed the real-world consequences of the federal government’s actions, noting, “Local government staff rely on federal counterparts to answer the phone, attend meetings, and collaborate on shared work. When thousands of federal jobs are eliminated overnight, it doesn’t just hurt those employees—it weakens our ability to serve residents and keep them safe.”

Harris County stands alongside a nationwide coalition in urging the Supreme Court to uphold the lower court’s ruling, ensuring that vital federal services remain operational. By pushing back against these mass firings, local governments seek to preserve the stability and effectiveness of public services that millions of Americans rely on.