GOP Bid to Limit Judicial Power Rejected by Senate Referee (1)

Senate Republicans’ language restricting the ability of judges to hand down initial rulings against the federal government included in a massive tax cuts and spending bill doesn’t adhere to Senate rules.

The proposal, similar to language in the House-passed bill limiting judges’ contempt power, violates the “Byrd Rule” limiting provisions in reconciliation bills that don’t have budgetary effects, according to a Saturday night notice from Senate Budget Committee Democrats.

Republican senators had sought to bar federal judges from issuing a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order against the federal government, unless the challengers had put up a financial security, or ...