Overview

• The House-passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” bars federal courts from enforcing contempt citations for injunction violations unless plaintiffs post a monetary bond.
• The provision applies retroactively and could invalidate prior injunctions—ranging from immigration orders to civil rights rulings—that judges seldom required bonds for.
• The bill’s budget status exempts it from Senate filibusters and could secure approval by a simple majority, although some Republicans are urging removal of the court provision.
• Legal experts and Democrats, including Senator Alex Padilla, argue the clause undermines separation of powers and shields the administration from judicial oversight.
• Supporters such as House Speaker Mike Johnson assert the measure is needed to curb “activist judges” issuing expansive or nationwide injunctions.