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Be aware of this hidden legislation

An Attack on the Judicial Branch in the
“Big Beautifull” Bill

Buried in Section 70302 of the bill is legislation that severely restricts federal courts’ authority to hold government officials in contempt if they violate judicial orders. A court’s ability to hold bad actors in contempt is an important enforcement power that judges can use to compel compliance with their rulings.

When somebody chooses to violate a court order, the judge has options to force them to comply. The reconciliation bill would require anyone suing the government to pay a bond before the court can use its contempt power to enforce injunctions or restraining orders meant to halt illegal actions. That represents an attack on the rule of law and the separation of powers that underlies our democracy. Given the current political times, the intent is clear.

To make matters worse, it will also apply to court orders and injunctions issued before the law takes effect. This would render thousands of prior orders across the country immediately unenforceable through contempt proceedings. 

Read this article, "These Hidden Provisions in the Budget Bill Undermine Our Democracy," written by Eric Kashdan, a Senior Legal Counsel, Federal Advocacy at CLC.

Write or call your Congressperson and tell them to oppose the provision that will limit the enforcement of contempt of court orders.

Contact information

The Honorable Lindsey Graham (Dear Senator Graham)
290 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5972

The Honorable Tim Scott (Dear Senator Scott)
104 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
202-224-6121