House Republicans and conservative allies are pursuing multiple strategies to counter activist judges blocking President Trump’s agenda, prioritizing legislative and procedural measures over impeachment. While some lawmakers have floated impeachment resolutions, leadership has shifted focus to alternatives seen as more practical given the slim GOP majority and high Senate conviction threshold.
### Legislative Action
Rep. Darrell Issa’s No Rogue Rulings Act—backed by Speaker Mike Johnson—aims to prevent district judges from issuing sweeping injunctions affecting parties beyond those directly involved in a case. This bill, scheduled for a House vote, would curb the power of judges like James Boasberg, who blocked Trump’s deportation of alleged gang members. Senate Republicans, including Josh Hawley, are drafting similar legislation.
Discussions are underway to slash funding for federal courts—particularly the D.C. district court—through upcoming appropriations bills. This approach targets institutions conservatives accuse of systematically opposing Trump’s policies.
### Oversight and Hearings
The House Judiciary Committee, led by Rep. Jim Jordan, plans hearings to expose judicial overreach and explore reforms. While calling judges to testify remains uncertain, these sessions aim to spotlight alleged abuses and build public support for legislative fixes.
### Pressure on the Supreme Court
Some conservatives argue the Supreme Court should intervene to rein in lower courts, avoiding protracted impeachment battles. Rep. Nick LaLota emphasized, “Congress must remedy district courts that overreach”. This strategy relies on convincing the high court to limit injunctions’ scope.
### Political Reality
Impeachment faces steep hurdles:
– : House GOP’s slim majority complicates passing articles.
– : Conviction requires 67 Senate votes, unlikely even if impeachment succeeded.
– : Speaker Johnson called impeachment a “dull tool,” favoring Issa’s bill as a “dramatic improvement”.
### Conservative Pushback
Despite leadership’s caution, hardliners like Rep. Andy Ogles insist impeachment remains vital: “We should impeach those judges regardless of what leadership does”. Others, including Rep. Brandon Gill, are gathering support for privileged resolutions to force impeachment votes, though Gill has delayed such moves to avoid fracturing the party.
### Broader Strategy
Senate Republicans, including Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, plan parallel hearings on nationwide injunctions, signaling coordinated pressure across Congress. Meanwhile, Trump has publicly endorsed ending “lawless” injunctions, rallying his base around the issue.
In summary, GOP leaders are channeling conservative frustration into legislative and oversight measures, betting that limiting judicial power—rather than removing judges—will deliver tangible results while avoiding political quagmires.
