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Top Three News Stories:

1. Unions File Lawsuit to Prevent Closure of Federal Mediation Agency

A coalition of over a dozen labor unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees and the AFL-CIO, has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The suit aims to block the Trump administration’s plan to shut down the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), an agency established in 1947 to mediate labor disputes. Following a March executive order, over 90% of FMCS staff were placed on administrative leave, and all field offices were closed. The unions argue that this action violates the constitutional authority of Congress, which is responsible for creating and funding federal agencies. They seek court injunctions to halt the executive order and restore FMCS operations.  Reuters

Legal Insight:

The lawsuit challenges the executive branch’s authority to unilaterally dismantle a congressionally established agency without legislative approval. The unions contend that the administration’s actions infringe upon the separation of powers doctrine and violate the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to follow proper rulemaking procedures. This case underscores the legal complexities surrounding executive orders that significantly alter or eliminate federal agencies.

2. FDA Seeks Return of Laid-Off Tobacco Enforcement Staff

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is attempting to rehire staff from its tobacco enforcement division, which was disbanded in April following a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) directive under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The layoffs included the entire team responsible for enforcing laws against selling tobacco products to minors. The FDA, concerned about the impact on public health, is requesting that some of the dismissed employees return temporarily until their official termination on June 2. This move aims to maintain enforcement capabilities amid fears of increased youth tobacco use. Politico

Legal Insight:

The abrupt termination and subsequent rehiring efforts raise questions about the agency’s compliance with federal employment laws and its obligations to enforce public health regulations. The use of industry user fees to fund the enforcement division complicates the legal landscape, as the layoffs may not yield taxpayer savings and could contravene statutory mandates. This situation highlights the potential legal ramifications of workforce reductions that impair an agency’s ability to fulfill its regulatory duties.

3. White House Proposes Significant Cuts to State Department and International Organizations

The Office of Management and Budget has proposed nearly a 50% reduction in the State Department’s budget. The plan includes closing overseas diplomatic missions, reducing diplomatic staff, and eliminating funding for most international organizations, such as the United Nations and NATO. Additionally, the proposal seeks to dismantle various “soft power” institutions, including USAID and Voice of America, and significantly cut foreign aid and global health funding. While the proposal is in its early stages and expected to face opposition, officials express concern that parts of it could be enacted.  AP News

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Mindful Moment of the Day: