Compiled by The American Presidency Project hosted at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Current Federal Legislative and Regulatory Activity (Weekly Report)
Supreme Court Appointment Process: President’s Selection of a Nominee, January 27, 2017
“The appointment of a Supreme Court Justice is an event of major significance in American politics. Each appointment is of consequence because of the enormous judicial power the Supreme Court exercises as the highest appellate court in the federal judiciary. Appointments are usually infrequent, as a vacancy on the nine-member Court may occur only once or twice, or never at all, during a particular President’s years in office. Under the Constitution, Justices on the Supreme Court receive what can amount to lifetime appointments which, by constitutional design, helps ensure the Court’s independence from the President and Congress.” Analysis from the Congressional Research Service.
Neil Gorsuch’s Nomination to the Supreme Court: Initial Observations, February 1, 2017
“On January 31, 2017, President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch of the federal Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (Tenth Circuit) to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February 2016. This vacancy has significant implications for the Court.” Congress, and the nation as a whole.” From Congressional Research Service Reports and Analysis.
U.S. Courts for the Ninth Circuit: State of Washington & State of Minnesota v. Trump C17-0141JLR
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press: Special Report on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch
Federal Law Gives Trump Broad Immigration Authority, But Critics See These Legal Impediments
Federal Workers Turn to Encryption to Thwart Trump
Der Spiegel: America First
House Republicans Vote to Allow Coal Mines to Poison Water Near Mines
“Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of the Interior known as the Stream Protection Rule.” The Interior Department rule that prohibited coal companies from polluting the water sources near mines has been overturned by the Republicans.