Dear Readers,
After a historically long shutdown, Congress is moving forward with a funding bill vote, which is anticipated to pass. The House is meeting for the first time in nearly two months. Previously, the Senate had approved ad hoc funding for some federal agencies. Assuming a passed vote is imminent, the government shutdown will officially end upon the president's signature after some forty days.
This week, Sam Jenson discusses how Trump’s unprecedented $230 million damages claim against the DOJ exposes a troubling loophole where a president can effectively authorize their own settlement.
Scott Beyer writes about how the estate tax, intended to curb wealth concentration, often devastates family businesses, forcing costly legal maneuvers that undermine their long-term viability.
Nikolai Wenzel argues the federal government’s shifting use of civil rights law to control university funding reveals a deeper constitutional clash over academic freedom, donor intent, and the limits of centralized power. Wenzel points out that this is principally a 10th Amendment issue.
Finally, Allen Gindler notes that the Fed's latest rate cut underscores significant internal divisions at the Fed.
Happy reading.
Jonathan Hofer
Managing Editor
