Justices Seen Avoiding Chance to Strike New Blow to Agency Clout

The US Supreme Court isn’t likely to use a pair of newly granted cases involving a multi-billion-dollar fund as a way to reinvigorate the so-called non-delegation doctrine to curb the authority of federal agencies, administrative law experts said.

The justices Nov. 22 agreed to take up the Biden administration’s appeal of a ruling that struck down the $8 billion Universal Service Fund, which is intended to enhance phone and broadband services in poor and rural communities. They also took a related appeal brought by a nonprofit that promotes broadband access.

The court has consistently cut back on the power of ...