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Senate GOP Strips Contempt Provision From Tax Bill — But Still Lets Trump Be King
(www.huffpost.com)
While the contempt language is gone in the Senate bill, there is new and arguably more problematic language in its place. This bill would require that anyone seeking a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction against the federal government first post a bond that covers the costs and damages that would be sustained to the federal government, in the event it loses the case. We’re talking millions if not billions of dollars being required upfront, effectively shutting off people’s ability to sue the Trump administration.
The Senate GOP is managing optics and that's all - the effect of this provision is the same. The bond requirement would make it effectively impossible to even seek to enjoin a clearly unconstitutional executive order before a full litigation and trial.
Superficially, they could proceed through the case without, but it would mean Trump can executive order whatever he wants and it would be years before the court would even issue an order to stop him. His powers would effectively be unchecked.
It's also blatantly undemocratic and unconstitutional because it would limit the ability to seek redress for anyone who wasn't a multi-millionaire or billionaire.
And if you need any other evidence they don't want you to pay attention to this and it's the real ball game: oh look, it's Friday night.