Jayapal Statement on SCOTUS Gutting Agency Independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee, released the following statement denouncing the Supreme Court's ruling in Trump v. Slaughter, which gives the President greater control to politicize agency decisions.

"For nearly a century, it has been settled law that Congress has the constitutional authority to create agencies whose commissioners can only be removed by the President 'for cause.' Under this bipartisan, independent structure, agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission have played important roles in our government as guardians of American consumers, workers, and investors. They have held powerful corporations accountable for wrongdoing and forced dangerous products off the market. Today's decision prevents these agencies from continuing to carry out their statutory missions free from the President's whims."

"Agency decisions should be based on nonpartisan expertise and technical knowledge, but President Trump would rather make these decisions based on pure politics and personal gain. That's one of the reasons why I have introduced the EXPERTS Act (H.R. 6145), which would ensure that all federal agencies - independent or not-are transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of everyday Americans. We must pass this legislation to restore trust in our executive branch."