BY SUMNER PARK – 06/28/17 05:21 PM EDT
Republican lawmakers on Wednesday held a hearing to address what they fear is “excessive litigation” against the Interior Department from green groups and other liberal activists. …
Democratic lawmakers dismissed those worries, saying the lawsuits are important to holding the agencies accountable. And they rejected claims the suits were financially motivated.
“[The Equal Access to Justice Act] was enacted to give citizens the ability to challenge the government regardless of their socioeconomic status,” Rep. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.) said. “It also assures that our civil justice system does not exclude the most vulnerable among us.”
The act helps the winning side’s lawyers collect fees in cases against the government.