House Passes GOP Bill Limiting Federal Judges' Contempt Powers Amid Trump Administration

House Republicans passed a sweeping domestic policy bill that includes a controversial provision limiting federal judges' authority to hold government officials, including those in the Trump administration, in contempt for violating court orders. This measure prevents courts from using appropriated funds to enforce contempt citations if no security was posted when injunctions or orders were issued, effectively shielding officials from consequences for disobedience. The provision comes amid ongoing federal court inquiries into the Trump administration's aggressive deportation efforts, which have included attempts to deport migrants to dangerous countries like South Sudan in direct violation of court orders. Critics, including legal scholars, view the bill as an attempt to undermine judicial oversight and consolidate executive power by neutering the courts. The broader bill, which extends Trump-era tax cuts at a significant cost and includes cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, may exacerbate economic inequality while raising government borrowing costs. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain.