1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing to strongly urge you to oppose the current budget bill unless a deeply troubling provision—buried within the legislation—is removed. As outlined in Robert Reich’s article, “The Hidden Provision in the Big Ugly Budget Bill” (https://robertreich.substack.com/p/the-hidden-provision-in-the-big-ugly), the bill contains the following clause: “No court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued…” In plain terms, this provision strips federal courts of their ability to enforce contempt citations—even when someone flagrantly disobeys a court-ordered injunction or restraining order. This is not just a technicality; it represents a dangerous undermining of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary. If enacted, this would send a chilling message: that court orders can be ignored without consequence, provided the right procedural loophole is exploited. It would erode the authority of federal courts and open the door to lawlessness in both the public and private sectors. This provision has no place in a budget bill—or in any bill. I ask you to demand its removal and to vote no on the budget if it remains included. Judicial enforcement is a cornerstone of our democracy, and it must not be sacrificed in a rushed legislative deal. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I trust you will act to protect the integrity of our legal system.