Brad Knott (R-NC)

Limiting Excessive Government Obstruction Act

H.R. 9653 · House bill Government Operations and Politics

A Republican bill with no cosponsors

Last activity — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H4422)

Introduced, nothing more yet

Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.

Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced

What this bill would do

The "Limiting Excessive Government Obstruction Act" creates new rules for agency adjudications. It allows a party facing an agency adjudication to file a demurrer, which requires the adjudicator to dismiss the case with prejudice. After dismissal, the agency has 90 days to start a civil action in district court to address the alleged violations. Defendants in these court cases are entitled to a jury trial and can argue that their actions were reasonable under the circumstances. These rules do not apply to matters involving national security, immigration, bankruptcy, patents, the Internal Revenue Code, or Federal benefits.

Yes· 3 of 8

  • Scored +7

    Would business owners be better off under this?

    Provides significant procedural advantages and defenses against agency enforcement actions.

  • Scored +6

    Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?

    Grants defendants the right to a jury trial and a 'reasonableness' defense in civil actions.

  • Scored +4

    Would high-income households be better off under this?

    Wealthier individuals and entities are better equipped to leverage district court litigation over agency hearings.

The opposite· 3 of 4

  • Scored -5

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    Significantly reduces the power of federal agencies to conduct internal adjudications.

  • Scored -3

    Does this put more rules on large technology companies?

    Allows companies to bypass agency adjudications in favor of jury trials in district courts.

  • Scored -2

    Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?

    Makes it harder for agencies to enforce environmental rules via administrative adjudication.