Justices See Broad US Powers Over States in Veterans’ Suits (1)

U.S. Supreme Court justices pressed Texas over its resistance to recognizing lawsuits pursued by veterans in a clash over state and federal powers.

Several justices suggested at argument on Tuesday that the federal government, in the interest of ensuring that it can raise an army, can force states to defend themselves in court in employment discrimination suits filed by veterans.

Noting that states can be sued for civil rights violations and certain property claims over their objection, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said it would be odd if they couldn’t also be sued under the federal government’s so-called war powers.

It “would ...