Appeals court questions effort to dismantle three federal agencies
Judges pressed the administration over attempts to reduce three congressionally created agencies by cutting staff, grants and services.
What happened
A federal appeals court heard arguments over the Trump administration's efforts to sharply reduce the Minority Business Development Agency, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
What changed
The judges questioned whether an administration can effectively stop congressionally created agencies from functioning by removing most personnel and terminating services without Congress formally abolishing those agencies.
Why it matters
The dispute tests the boundary between presidential control over the executive branch and Congress's authority to create and fund federal agencies.
What happens next
The case remains before the appeals court. A ruling could shape how far future administrations can go in shrinking agencies established by statute.