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Solicitor General's Strategic Litigation Influences Supreme Court Outcomes

Solicitor General's Strategic Litigation Influences Supreme Court Outcomes

The U.S. Solicitor General's office, often referred to as the 'tenth justice,' plays a uniquely influential role in Supreme Court cases, significantly impacting the court's decisions and its approach to legal questions. This office handles the federal government's cases before the Supreme Court, defending executive branch positions and, in most instances, acts of Congress. Trump Administration Solicitor General D. John Sauer and his staff have demonstrated strategic litigation choices over the past two terms. For example, in the second Trump administration, the Solicitor General's office made a strategic decision to split the issues of nationwide injunctions and birthright citizenship. Initially, Acting Solicitor General Sarah Harris requested an emergency order to block broad, nationwide injunctions, which the Supreme Court granted. A year later, the court narrowly invalidated President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship itself. This strategic separation allowed President Trump to secure a ...
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Lawyer Greg Werkheiser Discusses Ongoing Battle Over White House Ballroom's Future

Lawyer Greg Werkheiser Discusses Ongoing Battle Over White House Ballroom's Future

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer recently interviewed Greg Werkheiser of Cultural Heritage Partners regarding the ongoing dispute surrounding the future of the White House ballroom. The discussion centered on the legal and historical considerations impacting decisions about this significant space within the White House. Werkheiser, representing a law firm specializing in cultural heritage, provided insights into the complexities involved in determining how the ballroom will be utilized or altered. The conversation highlighted the various stakeholders and legal frameworks that come into play when addressing changes to historically important government properties. The interview aimed to shed light on the current status of the debate and the potential paths forward for the White House ballroom.
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Property Rights Became a Major Test of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Property Rights Became a Major Test of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, while primarily known for its massive territorial transfers, also had profound and immediate consequences for the ...
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Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Regulate THC-Containing Beverages in U.S. Market

Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Regulate THC-Containing Beverages in U.S. Market

A bipartisan bill, the Beverage Regulatory Parity Act, has been introduced in the U.S. Congress by Representatives Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio). This proposal aims to establish specific regulations for hemp-derived THC beverages, creating an exception to federal restrictions on intoxicating plant products. The bill suggests that adults aged 21 and over could purchase and consume hemp beverages containing up to 5 milligrams of total intoxicating THC per serving. It also proposes a three-tier distribution system, similar to the one used for alcoholic beverages, along with mechanisms for taxation and regulation. This legislative effort comes as the market for THC-infused beverages expands in the United States, drawing support from traditional alcohol retail and distribution representatives who seek a regulated framework for these products. The discussion is particularly timely given potential changes to the 2018 Farm Bill, which could significantly restrict the commercialization of into...
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The Latest: Trump warns of ‘economic D-Day’ against Iran days before 6-month mark of war

The Latest: Trump warns of ‘economic D-Day’ against Iran days before 6-month mark of war

The Trump administration is touting a financial campaign against Tehran, promising an “economic D-Day” against Iran
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'Seismic': Texas, Iowa shift to toss-up in tight Senate midterm races

'Seismic': Texas, Iowa shift to toss-up in tight Senate midterm races

A nonpartisan election forecast for control of the U.S. Senate moves away from Republicans in two states President Donald Trump won decisively in 2024
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Senate Majority Leader John Thune Identifies Energy Permitting Reform as Key Bipartisan Opportunity

Senate Majority Leader John Thune Identifies Energy Permitting Reform as Key Bipartisan Opportunity

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has indicated that energy permitting reform presents a rare chance for bipartisan cooperation in Congress. Speaking at a summit hosted by Northwestern Energy, Thune highlighted that lawmakers are considering measures to shorten federal review periods for energy projects and impose time limits on legal challenges from opponents. This shift in political dynamics is attributed to developers across various energy sectors, including coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and nuclear, encountering similar regulatory obstacles. Democrats have also observed these hurdles affecting renewable energy projects, creating momentum for reform. Thune noted that securing Democratic support is crucial in the Senate, where major legislation typically requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Despite the current highly partisan political climate, Thune expressed optimism about the prospects for this specific reform.
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Senator Ted Budd Secures F-15EX Aircraft for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

Senator Ted Budd Secures F-15EX Aircraft for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base

U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has announced that Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (AFB) will receive modernized F-15EX aircraft. This confirmation came from Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, indicating that the aircraft will be procured through the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Senator Budd has been a vocal advocate for protecting the future of Seymour Johnson AFB and its F-15 mission since 2023. The base is crucial for maintaining air superiority, serving as the primary training ground for Air Force F-15 pilots, and housing two operational F-15E squadrons currently deployed in Southwest Asia. The Air Force has assured that there are no plans to reduce Seymour Johnson’s F-15 missions without replacement aircraft already in place, and the base is slated to be the first F-15E base to receive the F-15EX aircraft.
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Atlantic Columnist Defends Flock Safety's ALPR Technology Amidst Growing Scrutiny

Atlantic Columnist Defends Flock Safety's ALPR Technology Amidst Growing Scrutiny

Charles Lehman, an Atlantic columnist and fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has published an article defending Flock Safety's automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology. This defense comes as Flock Safety faces increasing criticism and cities nationwide consider ditching the technology due to concerns over privacy and potential abuse. Critics argue that ALPRs, which have rapidly spread from homeowners' associations to police departments, are being used to track individuals seeking legal abortion options in other states, and that federal officers are leveraging local law enforcement to bypass legal restrictions on their own searches. There are also documented instances of officers misusing the technology for personal reasons, such as tracking ex-partners. Lehman's article suggests that while research on Flock's effectiveness is still developing, ALPRs are likely a valuable tool for modern police forces and that privacy concerns can be addressed through 'smart regulation' rather than outright bans. He...
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Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Recognized for Disability Advocacy Efforts in Northern California

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Recognized for Disability Advocacy Efforts in Northern California

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, representing Northern California, has been acknowledged for his significant efforts in disability advocacy. This recognition comes from Disability Rights California, highlighting his commitment to the disability community. The organization noted that both Congressman DeSaulnier and Congresswoman Lateefah Simon have consistently gone 'above and beyond' in their support for individuals with disabilities. Their work extends beyond traditional legislative duties, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the needs and concerns of this community. The acknowledgment emphasizes their willingness to engage directly with disabled people and their advocates, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in policy-making processes. This dedication is seen as crucial for fostering an inclusive environment and addressing the diverse challenges faced by people with disabilities.
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House Expected to Pass Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Bill, Says Lawmaker

House Expected to Pass Russia Sanctions and Tariffs Bill, Says Lawmaker

Representative Riley Moore, R-W.Va., stated on August 20 that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which includes significant sanctions and tariffs against Russia, is likely to pass in the House. The Senate previously approved this bill on August 7 with an 86-11 vote. A bipartisan group of 18 House members, co-led by Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, and Steny Hoyer, D-Md., introduced identical legislation in the House on August 10. The White House has endorsed the bill, though House leaders have not yet publicly announced a vote schedule. The House is currently in recess until August 31. Rep. Moore expressed concern over India's continued role as a major importer of Russian oil despite strengthening relations between Washington and New Delhi, highlighting the bill's provision to impose tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil and gas.
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Atlanta Airport Police to Implement Body Cameras and End Interdiction Program Following Lawsuit

Atlanta Airport Police to Implement Body Cameras and End Interdiction Program Following Lawsuit

Following a federal lawsuit filed by entertainers Eric André and Clayton English, the Clayton County Police Department, which operates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, has agreed to significant changes. The department will end its controversial 'interdiction' program, which was accused of targeting hundreds of travelers, particularly racial minorities, for encounters without reasonable suspicion. Additionally, officers assigned to the airport will now be required to wear body cameras while on duty and receive training on the constitutional limits governing police encounters at airports. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged coercion and discrimination, citing instances where André and English were stopped on jet bridges and questioned about illegal drugs. The settlement marks a victory for the plaintiffs, who asserted that the program's practices were unconstitutional and degrading.