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Our online community now tops 150,000 federal workers and supporters across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Each briefing distills the day’s most consequential developments, adds clear-eyed legal analysis, and pairs it with mindfulness tools that keep you steady no matter how turbulent the news cycle becomes. If this newsletter helps you stay informed, please pass it on: https://fedlegalhelp.com/newsletter. Your advocacy broadens the protective circle for every federal employee.

Top Three News Stories:

1. As White House Promises More Federal Layoffs, Democrats Say ‘We’ll See Them in Court’

The White House said it is prepared to continue reductions in force (RIFs) during the ongoing shutdown, while Democratic lawmakers vowed legal challenges to stop the cuts. The article notes more than 4,000 notices went out late last week and signals additional agency actions are possible. Lawmakers argued RIFs are not required by a funding lapse and previewed court fights over the administration’s approach. For federal employees, this means to expect potential new or follow-on notices this week and to track any agency-wide announcements closely for timelines and appeal options. Government Executive

Legal Insight:

If you receive a RIF notice, read it carefully for your effective date window and any response or placement deadlines. You may have rights to bump/retreat, priority placement, and appeal to the MSPB after separation; union members may also have grievance paths. Keep everything in writing (emails, notices, retention data) and meet every stated deadline. If you suspect your RIF is retaliatory or discriminatory, talk with your union and consider seeking counsel quickly because MSPB/EEO timelines are short.

2. Top Cyber Lawmaker Wants Answers on CISA Workforce Reductions

The top Democrat on a House cyber panel asked CISA’s acting director to detail recent layoffs and reassignments after multiple CISA divisions were targeted. The letter seeks workforce counts by division and information on employees terminated or moved during the shutdown. DHS told the outlet CISA remains focused on its statutory mission. For federal employees, this means CISA and broader DHS staff should anticipate additional oversight requests and potential data calls affecting teams and assignments. Nextgov

Legal Insight: 

If you are reassigned or separated, confirm in writing whether it’s a RIF, an adverse action, or a management-directed reassignment—each has different rights. Ask for your retention standing (tenure, veterans’ preference, ratings) if it’s a RIF, and request written details of any new position if it’s a reassignment. Preserve copies of notices and clarify relocation benefits in advance. Where rights are unclear or deadlines are tight, consult your union and consider speaking with counsel.

3. Former Federal Employees Join Democrats to Rally Against Coming RIFs

At a D.C. press conference, current and former federal employees joined members of Congress to condemn planned shutdown-era layoffs and preview upcoming court arguments. Speakers highlighted impacts across HHS, CDC and other agencies, and criticized OMB’s position that RIF work can proceed during a funding lapse. The piece underscores that more layoffs are expected even as litigation advances. For federal employees, this means to monitor agency and court updates closely and to prepare documentation (position descriptions, performance ratings, awards) that can affect retention or appeals. Federal News Network

Legal Insight:  

RIFs during a shutdown remain contested; regardless, your deadlines are real once a notice arrives. Verify the accuracy of your records (series, grade, tenure, veterans’ preference, performance ratings), since errors can change your retention standing. Consider applying for internal vacancies and registering for priority placement where eligible while you evaluate options. If you receive conflicting instructions or face imminent separation, seek guidance from your union and consider consulting an attorney.

Mindful Moment of the Day: 

The Hydration Bell  

Every time you drink water today, take a few seconds to really notice the sensation. The coolness, the pause, the refreshment. This ‘habit stacking’—linking a mindfulness moment to something you already do—turns the ordinary into an opportunity for grounding. It’s a subtle way to keep your attention tethered to the present throughout the workday.