Number: RL30280
Title: Congressional Standing to Sue: An Overview
Authors: Jay R. Shampansky, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report provides an overview of the standing of Members of Congress in light of the 1997 ruling of the Supreme Court in Raines v. Byrd that individual Members lacked standing to challenge the constitutionality of a public law. The Court in Raines recognized the separation of powers problems posed by congressional plaintiff suits but did not clarify the extent to which such problems may limit the ability of members to sue in federal court. The Court was of the view that a congressional plaintiff may have standing if he has suffered either a personal injury or an institutional one that amounts to vote nullification.
Pages: 9
Date: Updated June 19, 2001