Overview
- The House approved the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on May 22 and the Senate is now reviewing the measure under budget reconciliation rules.
- A clause buried in the 1,116-page bill bars federal courts from enforcing contempt citations against government officials unless security was posted when injunctions or temporary restraining orders were issued.
- Legal scholars warn that the bond requirement could make most injunctions unenforceable and retroactively nullify existing court orders.
- Democrats contend the provision violates the Senate’s Byrd Rule by addressing judicial procedures rather than strictly fiscal matters.
- A Pew Research Center survey shows nearly 78% of Americans believe the administration must comply with court rulings, signaling broad support for judicial oversight.