#legislative-branch — Public Fediverse posts

The move frees a trial judge to act on the #Trump admin’s pending request to dismiss Bannon’s conviction & indictment “in the interests of justice” [rewriting history].

The dismissal would be largely symbolic. #SteveBannon served a 4-month prison term after a #jury #convicted him of #contempt of #Congress in 2022. A federal appeals court in Washington upheld the conviction.

#SCOTUS #law #SeparationOfPowers #LegislativeBranch #oversight #ChecksAndBalances #SubpoenaPower

WTAF!?

#SteveBannon wins #SCOTUS order likely to lead to dismissal of his #criminal #conviction for refusing to #Congress.

“Prodded” [instructed] by the #Trump admin, the justices threw out an appellate ruling upholding Bannon’s conviction for defying a #subpoena from the #House committee that investigated the #Jan6, 2021 #insurrection by Trump supporters.

#law #SeparationOfPowers #LegislativeBranch #oversight #ChecksAndBalances #SubpoenaPower
https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-capitol-riot-bannon-trump-4a4cf324096fc1bfed204d42b54d191e

#Trump says he'll sign #ExecutiveOrder to resume pay for #DHS. His move illegally bypasses #Congress.

He announced the #unilateral move in a social media post, blaming #Democrats [even though #Republicans control both the #House & #Senate] for the impasse.

#ConstitutionalLaw #law #Constitution #PowerOfThePurse #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #autocracy #dictatorship #authoritarianism #tyranny
https://apnews.com/article/senate-funding-homeland-security-shutdown-4a3e4a3e77bd33213b98888e79a81f51

“The search for #truth & #justice,” #BillClinton told lawmakers, is more important than “the partisan urge to score points & create #spectacle.”

“#Democracy requires every person to play their part, & I hope that by being here today, we can bring ourselves a little further away from the brink & back to being a country where we can disagree with one another civilly,” he says, adding, “I’ll do my part, & I hope you’ll do yours.”

#EpsteinFiles #rape #law #Trump #Republicans #LegislativeBranch

#BillClinton said in his prepared statement that “no person is above the #law, even presidents.” He agreed to testify, he adds, because, “I love my country.”

Bill & #HillaryClinton initially pushed back against subpoenas they called a #partisan stunt by #Republicans [yup]. They yielded but demanded proceedings be open to the public. Republicans refused.

#EpsteinFiles #rape #law #Trump #Congress #sycophants #LegislativeBranch #ethics #civics #RevengePolitics

Elsewhere in his prepared opening remarks, #BillClinton is more emphatic about his own actions.

“I know what I saw, & more importantly, what I didn’t see,” he says. “I know what I did, & more importantly, what I didn’t do.”

#Clinton is using his #Epstein testimony to give #Republicans a much needed #civics lesson.

#EpsteinFiles #rape #law #Trump #Congress #sycophants #LegislativeBranch #RevengePolitics

A Major Court Win for IMLS, Libraries – Book Riot

Censorship

A Major Court Win for IMLS, Libraries

Trump and his administration are barred from dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services, thanks to a judge’s ruling.

By Kelly Jensen, Nov 24, 2025

U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell ruled in favor of 21 state attorneys general suing Donald Trump over the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and several other small federal agencies. This permanent injunction means that the Trump administration cannot do further harm to the IMLS.

McConnell wrote in the first paragraph of his decision:

By now, the question presented in this case is a familiar one: may the Executive Branch undertake such actions in circumvention of the will of the Legislative Branch? In recent months, this Court—along with other courts across the country—has concluded that it may not. That answer remains the same here.

On March 14, the Trump administration announced via an Executive Order that the only federal agency dedicated to public libraries and museums, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) would be dismantled. Since that time, employees have been laid off and federal funding has been revoked and reinstated nationwide. The Trump-appointed acting director of the agency, Keith Sonderling, made clear that the purpose of the agency going forward would be state propaganda.

The ripples of these federal decisions have made their way to the state level, with state libraries laying off employees and cuts to public library services at the local level impacted. Two lawsuits (Rhode Island v. Trump and The American Library Association v. Sonderling) were filed against the cuts, both of which remain in the federal courts. A full timeline and look at the impact of the IMLS dismantling can be viewed here.

In making his decision, the judge pointed to the lack of standing the administration made related to the Tucker Act, as well as failure of the administration to act reasonably when terminating grants and IMLS staff. The judge also emphasized that the administration’s decision to dismantle the IMLS was unconstitutional, violating both the “Take Care” and “Separation of Powers” clauses.

McConnell’s decision also pointed to the evidence submitted by the 21 states as proof that the dismantling of the IMLS wasn’t immaterial or imagined:

The Court finds Defendants’ argument unavailing, as the record paints a markedly different picture. For instance, consider the public libraries in New Mexico, New Jersey, Maine, and Oregon that would have to close branches, implement hiring freezes, and/or cease providing services that aim to foster literacy and support learning among its patrons were IMLS to be dismantled. ECF No. 75 at 43-46; ECF No. 92 at 25-26. Or consider the State universities in Hawai‘i, Maryland, and Arizona that would be forced to eliminate their student programming, default on their contracts, and/or terminate their employees absent continued funding from MBDA.22 ECF No. 92 at 24-25. Next, consider the State entities in Rhode Island, Illinois, and Minnesota that face the very real prospect of work stoppage and negotiation impasses should their labor disputes go unresolved without the critical support of FMCS mediators. ECF No. 92 at 26-27. And finally, consider the loss that Michigan, New York, and Wisconsin would suffer without the research-based and community-specific expert assistance that each State’s agencies have continuously relied on in their efforts to support unhoused individuals.ECF No. 75 at 53-55. All this to say: the injuries alleged are to the States themselves and are far more than merely economic or speculative.

We have already seen that services like Interlibrary Loan (ILL) have been directly affected by the loss of IMLS funds. South Dakota shut down ILL services early on the IMLS dismantling, while Iowa saw their courier service slashed from twice a week ro once. Florida lost ILL services statewide on October 1.

The decision in this case applies to grants in all states in the US, not just those whose states brought the case to court. That means the grants available via the IMLS will continue and they will be available to all 50 states. Funding cannot be arbitrarily halted. We saw this happen as three states had their grants canceled–California, Connecticut, and Washington–over the inclusion of the word “equity” in their application.

The administration is also barred from taking further action in dismantling the agency.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law and a clear rejection of executive overreach. Congress created the Institute of Museum and Library Services to serve the American people, and no president can erase that mandate by fiat. We are grateful to the 21 plaintiff states who stood up in this case and defended the statutory rights of libraries, museums, and their communities,” said John Chratska, Executive Director of EveryLibrary. “Their courage has not only protected IMLS but also the entire federal framework for access to information, learning, and culture. As Congress resumes work on the FY2026 appropriations bills, we urge lawmakers to fully fund IMLS, especially the Grants to States program, and reaffirm the agency’s role as an essential partner to every library in the nation.”

See Also: Other posts on the blog about this court ruling & IMLS.

• https://drwebdomain.blog/2025/11/23/court-permanently-blocks-trumps-executive-order-to-dismantle-federal-agency-for-americas-libraries-public-libraries-online/
• https://drwebdomain.blog/2025/11/21/court-permanently-blocks-trumps-executive-order-to-dismantle-federal-agency-for-americas-libraries/
• https://drwebdomain.blog/2025/09/05/ala-leads-libraries-museums-cultural-institutions-and-nations-largest-cultural-worker-union-urging-federal-court-to-block-administrations-efforts-to-dismantle-the-nations-cultur/

 Continue/Read Original Article Here: A Major Court Win for IMLS, Libraries

#21States #americanPeople #bookRiot #censorship #executiveBranch #imls #instituteOfMuseumAndLibraryServicesImls #judgeJohnJMcconnell #legislativeBranch #majorCourtWin #permanentInjunction #trump #tuckerAct

Judge Illston listed services that could disappear if the offices that administer them were wiped out, including #DisasterRelief funds for #farmers after a #flood, in-person appointments for #SocialSecurity recipients to discuss their #benefits, #workplace #safety inspections in #mines & #grants that support #kindergarten programs.

Judge Illston’s order:
https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.cand.448664/gov.uscourts.cand.448664.85.0.pdf

#law #Trump #TrumpPurge #TrumpCoup #Congress #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #ExecutiveOverreach #AbuseOfPower

Judge Illston noted that process requires consultation with #Congress on any plan to abolish or transfer part of an agency.

“It is the prerogative of presidents to pursue new policy priorities & to imprint their stamp on the #FederalGovernment,” she wrote in a 42-page order. “But to make large-scale overhauls of federal agencies, any president must enlist the help of his #CoequalBranch & partner, the Congress.”

#law #Trump #TrumpCoup #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #AbuseOfPower

Ruling after an emergency hearing on Fri, Judge Susan Illston of the Federal Dist Court for Northern California said the govt’s effort to lay off workers & shut down offices & programs created an urgent threat to scores of critical services.

#Congress set up a specific process for the #FederalGovernment to reorganize itself. The #unions & organizations behind the lawsuit have argued that #Trump does not have the #authority to make those decisions without the #LegislativeBranch.

#law

Of all the lawsuits challenging #Trump’s vision to dramatically scale back the form & function of the #FederalGovernment, this one is poised to have the broadest effect. Most of the agencies have yet to announce their downsizing plans, but employees across the govt have been anxiously waiting for announcements that have been expected for weeks.

#law #TrumpPurge #TrumpCoup #Musk #DOGE #Congress #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #ExecutiveOverreach #AbuseOfPower

Federal Judge Susan Illston on Friday called for a two-week pause in the #Trump admin’s plans for #MassLayoffs & program closures, barring 2 dozen agencies from moving forward w/the largest phase of Trump’s *downsizing* efforts, which the judge said was #illegal without congressional authorization.

#law #TrumpPurge #TrumpCoup #Musk #DOGE #Congress #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #ExecutiveOverreach #AbuseOfPower
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/us/politics/federal-layoffs-trump-ruling.html?smid=url-share

“#Congress mandated #VOA to report reliable & authoritative news, not to outsource its #journalism to outlets aligned w/the president’s agenda,” they wrote in a stmnt. “VOA already has talented & professional #journalists ready to tell America’s story in line w/the VOA Charter, but we are blocked from our own newsroom. That is why we will continue fighting for our rights in court.”

#law #FreePress #FourthEstate #propaganda #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #ExecutiveOverreach #AbuseOfPower

#VoiceOfAmerica WH bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara & #PressFreedom editor Jessica Jerreat, plaintiffs in one of the lawsuits against the #Trump admin over the EO, said this agreement violates the congressional mandate of #VOA.

#law #FreePress #FourthEstate #propaganda #LegislativeBranch #SeparationOfPowers #ExecutiveOverreach #AbuseOfPower

It was a rare instance of bipartisan pushback from members of both the #House & #Senate against the WH for its actions as the #Trump admin is mounting an aggressive challenge to the #LegislativeBranch’s #spending prerogatives.
Cole’s signature was particularly significant since he had not joined in a previous bipartisan congressional letter taking Trump’s #budget office to task on spending. In a brief interview on Mon, he said he believed the website should be restored, a view shared by Collins.

More increases in #immigration #enforcement #funding:

- $14.4B for #ICE Transportation & Removal (current budget $721M)

$1.25B for immigration courts

$1.32B for ICE prosecutors
+ $600M for the prosecutions

$787M for state/local assistance
+$650M specifically for memos of agreement between ICE & state/local law enforcement agencies allowing those agencies to perform immigration enforcement duties, including detention & removal.

#law #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch

Other new #immigration “fees”:

- $250 bond for ALL nonimmigrant #visa applicants

- $550 for “parole” work permits

- $1,500 fee for applying to adjust status to get a #GreenCard before a judge.

The bill would also dramatically increase immigration #enforcement #funding.

$45B for #ICE #detention, assuming $4.5B/year, that would be nearly a 250% annual increase to the current $3.4 detention budget.

#law #House #Republicans #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch #judiciary

The prohibitive fees continue:

2 "fees" are actually penalties:

- $5,000 "fee" for being ordered deported for missing a court hearing.

- $5,000 "fee" for being an inadmissible *alien* apprehended between ports of entry.

This new fee is grotesque:

- $500 for any Special Immigrant Juvenile [#SIJ] Status application — these are abused, abandoned or neglected kids, ya think they have $500?

#law #immigration #judiciary #Republicans #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch

More prohibitive #immigration“fees” — these are just for trying to defend your status in #court:

- $100 fee for ANY continuance (except in "exceptional” circumstances)

- $1,050 fee for ANY waiver application

- $900 fee for all appeals except bond (currently $100)

- $1,500 fee for non-Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) cancellation (currently $100)

#law #JimJordan #House #judiciary #Republicans #GOP #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch #AbuseOfPower

Crazy

At the end of the #House #Judiciary reconciliation bill, there are 2 major restrictions on the judiciary & #litigation:

First, as noted above, it bans judges from enforcing #contempt unless there was an FRCP 65(c) bond (rare in #CivilRights suits). Obviously aimed to stop Judges like #Boasberg & #Xinis, among others.

Second, they would bar money damages in settlements. [see pic]

#law #Republicans #GOP #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch #AbuseOfPower

It also declares—not coincidentally as #Trump is facing dozens of #TROs & injunctions:

"No #court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a #contempt citation for failure to comply with an #injunction or #TemporaryRestrainingOrder”

https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/judiciary_recon_ans_xml.pdf

#law #House #Republicans #GOP #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch #Judiciary #AbuseOfPower

The #JimJordan led #House #Judiciary Cmt has now released their reconciliation bill.

In addition to #immigration measures, it transfers ALL #FTC #antitrust actions to the US #AttorneyGeneral [currently #PamBondi], among other antitrust provisions.

https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/judiciary_recon_ans_xml.pdf

#law #Republicans #GOP #ConstitutionalCrisis #LegislativeBranch #JudicialBranch #AbuseOfPower

#Durbin was an early critic of the #war in #Iraq, voting against the 2002 authorization for military force. He criticized the mistreatment of detainees at the US military prison in #GuantánamoBay, Cuba, as comparable to the acts of “Nazis, Soviets in their gulags, or some mad regime — Pol Pot or others — that had no concern for human beings” & later apologized for a “poor choice of words.”

#law #HumanRights #legislation #LegislativeBranch #democracy #USpol

In celebrating the sixth anniversary of that #law, the #FirstStepAct, in December, #Durbin noted that less than 10% of the 40k prisoners released under the law, many of them drug offenders, had been rearrested or jailed, far less than the typical #recidivism rate.

#legislation #LegislativeBranch #democracy #USpol

#Durbin …has also forged close relationships w/some #Republicans, including Sen #ChuckGrassley of Iowa, who has been chairman of the #Judiciary Cmte in periods when Durbin was the top #Democrat.

The two pushed a #criminal #justice overhaul that overcame Republican resistance to be signed into #law by #Trump during his first term, leading to the early release of thousands of prisoners who had their sentences recalculated.

#law #legislation #LegislativeBranch #democracy #USpol

…A longtime force on the #Judiciary Cmte, Mr. #Durbin became its chair in 2021, resisting calls from progressives that he make room for a younger member given his leadership role & other #legislative responsibilities.

He subsequently oversaw the confirmation of 235 federal #judges during the Biden admin—including one #SCOTUS justice—surpassing by one the number of judges confirmed by #Republicans during an aggressive push in #Trump’s first term.

#law #legislation #LegislativeBranch #democracy

#Durbin’s departure will reverberate in the #Senate, where he played a prominent role on a host of big issues & was considered a forceful advocate of party positions. He was among the first to push for a path to #citizenship for some #undocumented immigrants brought to the #UnitedStates illegally as children, a group that came to be known as #Dreamers that became the focal point of successive failed efforts to overhaul #immigration laws.

#law #legislation #LegislativeBranch #democracy #USpol

#Illinois #Democrat Senator #DickDurbin, No.2 #Senate Dem & a leading #liberal voice, to retire after 44 years in #Congress

#Durbin retiring will fundamentally reshape how #immigration is debated in the Senate. For decades, he's played a leading role in shaping immigration policy (he was behind the first push for the Dream Act over 20 years ago).

#law #legislation #LegislativeBranch #USpol
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/23/us/dick-durbin-retires-senate.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=p&pvid=6F0C39E6-2591-4197-B6F2-1F78E333F509

#GiftArticle

The authors of the #Constitution separated powers for a reason.

by @anneapplebaum

…The #Republicans who lead #Congress have refused to use the power of the #LegislativeBranch to stop #Trump or moderate him, in this or almost any other matter. The Cabinet is composed of sycophants & loyalists who are willing to defend contradictory policies, even if doing so makes them look like fools. The courts haven’t decisively intervened yet either.

#law
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/04/dictatorships-trump-republicans/682387/?gift=guxsrl_dAdXUP9zqbQPWxY6mkr1cwhtnhGKPzVPmmqo&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share