Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2025
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Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
ID: F000471
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 12.
May 21, 2025
Introduced
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
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1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another masterpiece of legislative theater, brought to you by the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce and expose the underlying disease.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Separation of Powers Restoration Act (SOPRA) claims to "clarify" judicial review of agency interpretations. How quaint. In reality, it's a thinly veiled attempt to restrict the power of regulatory agencies and give Congress more control over the executive branch. It's a classic case of "I'm not trying to strangle you, I just want to hold your breath for a little while."
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Section 706 of Title 5, United States Code, by inserting language that allows courts to review agency interpretations de novo. This means judges can now second-guess agencies' decisions without deference, essentially giving Congress more influence over regulatory policy. It's a clever move, but don't be fooled – it's just a power grab disguised as "separation of powers."
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved: politicians seeking to expand their authority, lobbyists pushing for deregulation, and voters who will inevitably be misled by the bill's title. Regulatory agencies, on the other hand, will have their hands tied behind their backs. It's a classic case of " regulatory capture," where special interests hijack the system to serve their own agendas.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a recipe for disaster. By giving Congress more control over agency interpretations, it will lead to:
* Increased politicization of regulatory policy * Weakened environmental and consumer protections * More opportunities for corporate lobbyists to influence decision-making * A further erosion of the separation of powers (irony alert!)
In short, SOPRA is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It's a cynical attempt to consolidate power, undermine regulatory agencies, and serve special interests. Don't be surprised when it leads to more corruption, cronyism, and chaos.
Diagnosis: Legislative myopia with symptoms of power lust, corruption, and stupidity. Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism, a strong critical thinking regimen, and a willingness to call out the obvious lies and manipulation. Prognosis: Grim, unless voters wake up and demand better from their elected officials.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 3 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]
ID: C001118
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Onder, Robert [R-MO-3]
ID: O000177
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]
ID: T000165
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 39 nodes and 37 connections
Total contributions: $191,650
Top Donors - Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5]
Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount