In a groundbreaking decision, a federal court has thrown a wrench into President Joe Biden’s plans, potentially derailing key components of his agenda. U.S. Northern District Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled that major portions of the omnibus spending bill, passed with Biden’s support in 2022, were unconstitutional due to procedural irregularities.

The court’s ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that the bill was unlawfully passed without a physical quorum present in the House of Representatives. Instead, Democrats utilized proxy voting, a move Paxton decried as an abuse of power by former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a violation of the Constitution.

Paxton celebrated the decision, declaring, “Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi abused proxy voting under the pretext of COVID-19 to pass this law, then Biden signed it, knowing they violated the Constitution. This was a stunning violation of the rule of law. I am relieved the Court upheld the Constitution.”

Judge Hendrix’s ruling enjoined specific sections of the bill, including the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, against Texas. This targeted approach aims to address the constitutional violation without completely nullifying the entire legislation. However, the broader implications for Biden’s agenda remain uncertain.

The court’s interpretation of the Quorum Clause, requiring physical presence for a quorum, sets a significant precedent with potential ramifications for future legislative practices. This decision could embolden further challenges to Biden’s legislative achievements and reshape the landscape of American politics.

The White House’s silence on the ruling speaks volumes, hinting at the administration’s concern over the potential fallout. With billions of dollars already spent, questions loom over how Republicans could seek to undo the effects of the invalidated portions of the spending bill.

In the midst of a contentious reelection campaign, this ruling serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of political victories and the enduring power of legal challenges to reshape the course of governance. As Biden and his allies grapple with this setback, the battle over the constitutionality of his agenda is far from over.