Federal Judge Tells Rep. Darrell Issa He’s Not as Special as He Thinks
In his motion in response to the stay, Issa told the court that the Department of Justice’s contingency plan “provides that Department employees may continue to work on matters necessary to the discharge of the President’s constitutional duties and powers.”
He told the court he thought his contempt lawsuit qualified.
District Court Judge Amy Berman thought otherwise. In dismissing his request, the judge, in no uncertain terms, told Congressman Issa if he wanted his case to proceed, he can open the government. Her Honor:
There are no exigent circumstances in this case that would justify an order of the Court forcing furloughed attorneys to return to their desks. Moreover, while the vast majority of litigants who now must endure a delay in the progress of their matters do so due to circumstances beyond their control, that cannot be said of the House of Representatives, which has played a role in the shutdown that prompted the stay motion.
There has been no response yet from Rep. Issa, so I don’t know if he feels the judge’s ruling is a “repudiation” of the U.S. House of Representatives. I imagine he’s still coming to grips with what it is like for us regular people. The shut down is not so much fun if you’re the one pounding on a locked door.
More: Federal Judge Tells Rep. Darrell Issa He’s Not as Special as He Thinks