| Houston, Texas — Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee is joining a nationwide legal challenge against the federal directive ordering the immediate termination of nearly all probationary federal employees—an unprecedented move that threatens essential services millions of Americans rely on. “This reckless mass firing puts public safety, disaster response, and critical services at risk,” said Menefee. “Harris County depends on agencies like FEMA, the EPA, and HHS to protect our residents—whether it’s responding to hurricanes, ensuring clean air and water, or keeping our public health system running. Gutting the federal workforce overnight is dangerous and irresponsible.” Harris County and the County Attorney have partnered with 45 other local governments in filing an amicus brief in American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, et al. v. United States Office of Personnel Management, et al. The brief warns that slashing federal jobs will disrupt key programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security payments, while also crippling emergency response, public health efforts, and local economies. “Once again, Donald Trump is playing politics with people’s lives,” Menefee said. “This mass firing won’t just devastate families—it will gut research institutions, hurt small businesses, and weaken local economies. In Harris County, these cuts could lead to fewer resources for residents who depend on federal services every day. This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about protecting our communities, our economy, and our future.” The coalition is urging the court to block the directive immediately, warning that without intervention, local governments will be forced to absorb the fallout of lost federal jobs and disrupted services. |