In a 10-2 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decided Congress cannot revoke cost-of-living adjustments promised to federal judges in the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, reversing the court’s holding to the contrary in 2001.

Six current and retired federal judges sued over Congress’ decision to block cost-of-living adjustments in the past and whether legislation passed after the court’s 2001 decision overrode provisions of the 1989 law.