Fact Check: "The Senate version of President Donald Trump's budget bill includes a provision that requires litigants to post bonds before courts can enforce orders blocking government policies."
What We Know
The claim that the Senate version of President Donald Trump's budget bill includes a provision requiring litigants to post bonds before courts can enforce orders blocking government policies is accurate. Reports indicate that the Senate's draft of the legislation retains a controversial provision that mandates litigants to post a bond before judges can issue injunctions against federal policies (USA Today). This provision aims to limit the power of judges to enforce their orders, particularly in cases involving the government, which has faced numerous legal challenges to its policies (Reuters).
The provision's intent is to combat what Trump and his allies perceive as judicial overreach that blocks their policies. It has been noted that this requirement could significantly hinder the enforcement of court orders, as judges traditionally do not require bonds in cases against the government (Reuters).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple reputable sources, including major news outlets like USA Today and Reuters. These sources report that the provision was included in the Senate's version of the bill, reflecting a strategy by Trump and his supporters to limit judicial authority in cases involving federal policies.
Critics of the provision argue that it undermines the judiciary's ability to enforce its orders effectively, potentially allowing the government to ignore court rulings if litigants cannot afford the required bond (USA Today). The provision has faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers who were reportedly unaware of its inclusion in the House-passed version of the bill, indicating a level of controversy surrounding its acceptance (USA Today).
The sources used are credible and provide a comprehensive overview of the legislative context, including potential implications of the provision. However, it is essential to note that the political landscape surrounding this bill is contentious, and interpretations of the provision's impact may vary based on political affiliation.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Senate version of President Donald Trump's budget bill includes a provision requiring litigants to post bonds before courts can enforce orders blocking government policies is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. The provision is designed to limit judicial enforcement of court orders against the government, reflecting a significant shift in the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branch.
Sources
- US Senate Republicans seek to limit judges' power via Trump's tax-cut bill
- Trump's sweeping tax-cut bill includes provision to weaken court powers
- Senate keeps provision for curbing court orders in Trump bill - USA TODAY
- How an obscure budget provision could upend judges' contempt power
- 'Hidden' Provision in Trump's Big Bill Could Disarm US Courts
