Hill Country Chronicle

On Monday, Representative Chip Roy from Texas took a firm stance against what he perceives as an attempt by the Judicial Conference to undermine states' abilities to challenge federal actions in court. The Judicial Conference, which oversees the federal court system, is considering measures that would limit single-judge divisions from hearing certain cases.

Representative Roy expressed his concerns to Judge Robin Rosenberg, Chair of the Judicial Conference’s Advisory Committee on Civil Rules. "It appears that your committee is upset that certain litigants that do not check the correct ideological box are filing lawsuits in single-judge divisions and finding success," he stated.

Currently, states have the option to file injunctions in specific federal courts where they believe they have a higher chance of success rather than facing a randomly assigned judge. Representative Roy emphasized his commitment to opposing any priorities from the Administrative Office of the Courts until this issue is addressed. "As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, I will do everything in my power to block any Administrative Office of the Courts priority until it stops this misguided attack," he concluded.

Roy also highlighted a contradiction in the judiciary's requests for more judgeships while simultaneously attempting actions that could be seen as undermining congressional authority. He noted, "If your committee does not appreciate the legal and separation-of-powers issues at play, I hope it will at least recognize the political issues." He added that Congress controls both the administration and funding of lower courts, implying that cooperation is necessary for mutual progress. "If you don’t hold up your end of the bargain, don’t ask us to hold up ours."