A House Judiciary subcommittee Thursday approved by voice vote a bill that would force federal agencies to comply with court rulings on the interpretation of existing statutes, LEGI-SLATE News Service reported.
Judiciary Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee Chairman George Gekas, R-Pa., said the Federal Agency Compliance Act would prohibit federal workers from "ignoring" laws and court rulings that conflict with agency policies.
But Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, expressed concern during the markup that the bill may have a negative impact in the civil rights arena, where she is "fighting for her life" against "appalling" court decisions. She noted agencies can often help fight such rulings and expressed concern the bill could prevent that.
Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee ranking member Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., said nothing in the bill prevents the Justice Department from challenging court decisions. He termed the bill "essential" to force agencies to follow the "supremacy of the law."
Jackson Lee said she would like to discuss the bill in greater detail.
NEXT STORY: Report: Park Service Needs $8B