1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

This is what an authoritarian regime would do. Hidden deep in Trump’s 1,100-page bill that passed the House today is a provision that would block federal courts from enforcing contempt charges against government officials who violate court orders. Sec. 70302 – Blocks courts from enforcing contempt charges against government officials, unless a judge required a monetary bond when issuing the original injunction. “No funds appropriated… may be used to enforce a citation for civil or criminal contempt… unless the court required the posting of security in the form of a bond.” What this means: Injunctions are emergency court orders - Judges issue them to temporarily stop actions, like deportations, bans, or drilling, while a case is being decided. Judges often waive bonds in public interest cases - A bond is a financial deposit meant to protect the losing side if the injunction is later overturned. - Judges typically don’t require them when: - The plaintiff can’t afford it. - The case involves fundamental rights, not financial damages. - The government is the defendant, and financial risk is minimal. This section creates a dangerous loophole - If no bond was required, which is common, this bill blocks any federal money from being used to enforce contempt. - Translation: Officials can violate court orders and face no consequences. - Even if a judge tries to hold them in contempt, they’ll be blocked from enforcing it. Bottom line: This isn’t budget policy, it’s a power grab. It strips judges of their ability to enforce the law and gives government officials a green light to ignore court orders. It’s authoritarian by design and it’s buried in the fine print. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND UNPRECEDENTED. Do something!