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Fact check: "Is section 70302 part of the final big beautiful bill which became law

Checked on July 16, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Section 70302 is NOT part of the final "One Big Beautiful Bill" that became law. Multiple sources confirm that the Senate parliamentarian ruled against including Section 70302 in the reconciliation legislation [1] [2] [3].

Section 70302 was originally included in the House version of the budget reconciliation bill and would have severely restricted federal courts' authority to hold government officials in contempt if they violate judicial orders [2]. However, the provision was removed from the budget reconciliation bill after the Senate parliamentarian's ruling that it violated Senate rules and should not be included in reconciliation legislation [1] [3].

The League of Women Voters had urged Senators to remove Section 70302 due to its harmful effects on the judicial branch's power [4], and Representative Friedman led 20 Members of Congress in pushing to strike the provision from the reconciliation package [5]. Issue One celebrated the removal of this provision from the final legislation [3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about what Section 70302 actually contained - it was a controversial provision that would have gutted federal courts' ability to enforce orders against government officials [1]. This represents a significant constitutional issue regarding checks and balances between the judicial and executive branches [4].

The question also omits the procedural context of how budget reconciliation works in the Senate, where the Senate parliamentarian serves as a crucial gatekeeper determining which provisions can be included under reconciliation rules [2] [3]. This parliamentary procedure played the decisive role in Section 70302's removal.

Government officials and agencies would have benefited from Section 70302's inclusion, as it would have limited courts' ability to hold them accountable for violating judicial orders [2]. Conversely, civil rights organizations, legal advocacy groups, and congressional Democrats opposed the provision as it would undermine judicial authority and the rule of law.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question appears neutral but could be misleading by referring to the legislation as the "big beautiful bill" - language that echoes political rhetoric rather than the official title "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" [6] [7]. This framing might suggest a positive bias toward the legislation.

The question also fails to acknowledge the controversial nature of Section 70302, which multiple sources describe as undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law [1] [4] [5]. By asking simply whether it's "part of" the final bill without context, the question omits the significant opposition and constitutional concerns that led to its removal.

The phrasing could inadvertently spread misinformation if someone assumes that because they're asking about it, Section 70302 might still be in the final law, when multiple sources definitively confirm it was removed due to parliamentary rules violations.

Want to dive deeper?
What is the purpose of section 70302 in the big beautiful bill?
When did the big beautiful bill become a law?
How does section 70302 affect existing legislation?
Which government agency is responsible for enforcing section 70302?
What are the key provisions of section 70302 in the final law?