Supreme Court deals major blow to federal agency regulatory authority

Breaking tonight, we now know that Monday will be the day we learn of the US Supreme Court's decision on former President Trump's bid for immunity from prosecution for acts during his presidency. But there were a pair of major rulings today, one of which is a big development for some people arrested and jailed after the January 6th, 2021 capital riot. The other involves a major shift in how government regulations on environment, public health, several other areas are handled and challenged. We get details tonight from Fox News chief legal correspondent, anchor of Fox News Sunday, Shannon Breen. Good evening, Shannon. Good evening, Fred. So there are two cases that January 6th being one of them that will have direct impact on the federal criminal charges against President Trump. This weekend. The justices will put the final touch on the other one, presidential immunity, something that Justice Gorsuch characterized as writing a rule for the ages. Today, the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to the authority of federal agencies and their ability to regulate every facet of American life relatively unchecked. Areas like the environment, healthcare, workplace safety, and consumer protections. Chief Justice Roberts penned the majority opinion, writing quote courts need not and may not defer to an agency interpretation of the law simply because a statute is ambiguous. A win for the fishery groups that had challenged the federal regulation requiring them to bear the cost of monitors on their boats. American citizens finally have the same rights in court as the United States government, and that's huge. Just as Kagan, writing for the dissenters, accused the court of taking what she argued should have been left to the agencies. Quote, the majority disdains restraint and grasp for power. The court also sided with communities using ordinances like bans on camping and sleeping in certain public spaces as a way of trying to manage the issue of homeless encampments. Critics had challenged the measures as cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the 8th Amendment and said they don't solve the underlying problem. Can you imagine anything more cruel and unusual than throwing somebody in jail for using a blanket in the middle of the freezing winter? And a decision from the justices on Friday could impact hundreds of cases involving January 6th defendants charged under a federal obstruction statute crafted in the wake of the Enron scandal. In a six to three opinion, the court found the Justice Department's application of that statute flawed, giving those defendants, including President Trump, the opportunity to fight to get the charges tossed altogether. Attorney General Merrick Garland called the decision disappointing and said the Justice Department will comply but also will use every remaining tool possible to go after January 6th defendants. And late today, the court also weighed in on an emergency request from Steve Bannon. He asked the justices to allow him to remain free while his appeal was playing out. The court denied that request. He is due to report to prison by Monday. Brett, Monday, big day. Shannon, bring him outside the court. Shannon, thanks.