Committee Chairman Congressman James Comer, R-Ky., acknowledged the necessity of litigation funding for some plaintiffs but voiced deep concerns about the “untraceable and undisclosed funding of lawsuits” that he believes raises significant ethical and legal questions. He added, “Many lawsuits are funded by progressive activists or private equity seeking to hijack America’s legal system to implement their policy desires or make a quick buck.”
Republicans Unearth Alleged Tactics
Republican representatives expended a substantial portion of their time dissecting various alleged machinations within the litigation funding realm. One practice singled out for censure was “sue and settle” tactics, where organizations, often environmental groups, litigate executive branch agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish stricter environmental regulations.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., lambasted these tactics as a “constant wave of litigation by environmental extremists,” contending that they not only undermine American businesses but also vest excessive power in environmental groups.
