H.R.62 - Withholding Investments from Lawless Litigators In States Act; WILLIS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 62, also known as the WILLIS Act, aims to prohibit federal funds from being awarded to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. Introduced in the House of Representatives, the bill also seeks to rescind unobligated balances and require reimbursement for funds expended by the office after January 1, 2021. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Biggs of Arizona, along with Mr. Crane and Mrs. Luna.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would cut off federal funding to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. This could impact the office's ability to function and carry out its responsibilities. It could also set a precedent for Congress to target specific local law enforcement agencies based on disagreements with their actions.
Potential Benefits
- Could be seen as a check on potential overreach or politically motivated actions by local prosecutors.
- May incentivize more responsible spending and management of funds by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office.
- Could deter other local jurisdictions from actions that might be perceived as exceeding their authority.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could hinder the Fulton County District Attorney's Office's ability to prosecute cases effectively, potentially impacting public safety.
- May be perceived as political interference in local law enforcement matters.
- Could create a chilling effect, discouraging local prosecutors from pursuing controversial cases.
- Could strain the relationship between the federal government and local law enforcement agencies.
- May lead to legal challenges based on states' rights or separation of powers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. Congress has the power of the purse (Article I, Section 9, Clause 7), granting it control over federal spending. However, targeting a specific local office raises concerns about federal overreach and potential violations of principles of federalism and separation of powers. The bill could be challenged as an attempt to unduly influence or punish a local entity for actions that are within its jurisdiction.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).