Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  This week, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) voted in favor of H.R. 1526, the No Rogue Rulings Act (NORRA).

NORRA legislation is necessary so that Americans can trust that President Trump can lawfully exercise his power as the elected leader of the United States without the concern that rogue, hyper-partisan judges will overstep their authority to try and prevent him from fulfilling the promises he made as a candidate.

“District Judges do not and should not have the power to dictate national policy or usurp the power of the Executive Branch,” said Rep. Messmer. “The No Rogue Rulings Act will restore the faith of the American people in our judiciary.”

H.R. 1526 limits U.S. district courts from issuing broad injunctive relief beyond the parties involved in a case. However, nationwide injunctions are allowed if a case involves two states from different judicial circuits. In such cases, a panel of three randomly selected judges would decide on the injunction, with direct appeal to the Supreme Court.

BACKGROUND:

Since the beginning of President Trump's second term in January 2025, federal district courts have issued numerous nationwide injunctions that have halted his executive orders across various policy areas, including immigration, federal spending, and regulatory reforms. These court rulings have raised concerns about the judiciary's role in shaping national policy, as the injunctions extend beyond the immediate litigants and affect broader government actions.

A significant portion of the litigation has focused on Trump's immigration policies. For instance, federal judges in Maryland and Washington blocked an executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship, citing constitutional conflicts. Similarly, a judge halted another executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, arguing that it overstepped executve authority.

Challenges have also arisen over executive orders affecting federal resources. Lawsuits have targeted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the administration’s efforts to freeze federal grants. Judges in D.C. and Maryland issued nationwide injunctions blocking these actions, with plaintiffs arguing that they violated federal law and administrative procedures. Additionally, a coalition of states sued over an executive order pausing financial assistance for foreign aid, DEI programs, and environmental initiatives, resulting in further judicial intervention.

Social policy executive orders have also faced legal roadblocks. Courts have blocked orders restricting gender-related surgical or chemical mutilation of children, with rulings asserting that they violated existing legal protections. Meanwhile, an order aimed at reducing the federal workforce was challenged, leading a judge to mandate the reinstatement of thousands of terminated probationary employees.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

To read more about the work Rep. Messmer is doing for Indiana’s 8th Congressional District, click here.

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