Congress Clashes With Justice Department Over Its Decisions Not To Defend Laws
Congress is at odds with DOJ over enforcement of a ban on female genital mutilation. Prosecutors say they can't appeal a judge's decision because the law needs work; the House wants its will upheld.
Lawyers for the House of Representatives are pushing back on the Justice Department's decision to walk away from a statute barring female genital mutilation — and an unusual argument that lawmakers shouldn't intervene to defend the interests of Congress in the case.
The fight is unfolding over the first federal criminal prosecution for female genital mutilation.
Last year,
