Judge halts HHS layoffs, finding evidence of legal violations

A federal judge has blocked the US Department of Health and Human Services from moving forward with a major workforce reduction and agency overhaul, finding that the changes may violate federal law and cause lasting disruption.

The decision, issued Tuesday by Judge Melissa DuBose of the US District Court for the District of Rhode Island, grants a preliminary injunction in a case brought by attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs argued the agency had overstepped its authority in attempting to restructure programs and cut staff without congressional approval.