Jan. 31 Hearing in Shutdown Case Still On, Judge Says

A Jan. 31 hearing on a constitutional challenge to the just-ended government shutdown will take place as scheduled, but for a different purpose, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said.

Leon issued an order that took effect Jan. 26, after President Donald Trump signed legislation late Jan. 25 to reopen the government through Feb. 15, to convert an already-scheduled hearing on a temporary restraining order to end the shutdown to a status conference.

“We still are seeking a declaration that forcing federal workers to work without pay is a violation of the 13th Amendment,” which prohibits involuntary servitude, Mike Kator, an ...