House Passes Controversial Bill Targeting National Injunctions to Expedite Trump’s Agenda

House Republicans passed a significant bill on Wednesday aimed at reducing federal courts’ powers to issue nationwide injunctions, a move seen as a direct response to what some GOP lawmakers describe as judicial overreach. This legislation, known as the “No Rogue Rulings Act,” was driven by concerns over activist judges allegedly undermining the Trump administration’s agenda.

Currently, federal judges have issued multiple injunctions that temporarily block executive actions, impacting various aspects of agency operations and immigration policy. Critics within the Republican party argue that these orders allow unelected judges to effectively legislate from the bench, subverting the authority of Congress and the presidency.

The bill passed narrowly, with a vote of 219-213. Representative Darrell Issa, who introduced the legislation, argued on the House floor that it serves as a necessary check on judges who exceed their constitutional mandate. “These sweeping injunctions represent judicial activism at its worst,” he stated, emphasizing the bill’s intent to return power to elected officials. If enacted, it would limit judges to issuing orders applicable only to the parties involved in a case.

Democrats countered these assertions, claiming the recent injunctions are justified responses to illegal executive actions. Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland articulated that many rulings were based on thorough legal analysis and that the Trump administration had failed to effectively challenge their legitimacy. He expressed concern that labeling judges as activists could jeopardize their safety and undermine public trust in the judiciary.

With the House having passed the bill, it moves to the Senate, where Republican leadership appears cautious. While Senators Chuck Grassley and Josh Hawley have introduced similar proposals, Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s response to the legislation was somewhat lukewarm. He acknowledged the need to address the issue but avoided committing fully to the proposed measures.

The White House has endorsed Issa’s legislation, alleging that federal courts are misusing injunctions to impede President Trump’s constitutional powers. In an official policy statement, the administration emphasized its dedication to maintaining the separation of powers.

This push to restrict nationwide injunctions coincides with a broader movement among some Republican lawmakers advocating for the impeachment of judges who rule against the administration. While certain representatives have expressed support for impeaching specific judges, Issa has distanced himself from this sentiment, positioning his bill as a more measured alternative.