In the case of Mississippi Valley Barge Line Co. v. United States et al., 1933, the Supreme Court ruled on whether or not a federal agency had overstepped its authority in regulating barge lines operating on the nation's waterways. The Mississippi Valley Barge Line Company challenged an order from the Inland Waterways Corporation (IWC), which was established by Congress to improve and develop inland waterways for navigation and commerce purposes. The IWC had ordered that certain rates be set for transportation services provided by barge lines, including those operated by Mississippi Valley Barge Line Co., arguing it was necessary to maintain fair competition among carriers using these routes. The court held that while Congress did have broad powers to regulate interstate commerce, this power did not extend so far as to allow a government corporation like IWC to fix specific rates without legislative approval or judicial review mechanisms in place. This decision affirmed limits on administrative agencies' regulatory powers under U.S law.

In the dissenting opinion for Mississippi Valley Barge Line Co. v. United States et al., Justice McReynolds argued that the majority's decision to uphold federal regulation of intrastate barge lines was a dangerous expansion of government power, contrary to constitutional principles. He contended that Congress had overstepped its bounds by regulating commerce within individual states under the guise of controlling interstate commerce, which he believed would lead to an unlimited and unchecked federal authority over all aspects of business and industry. Furthermore, he expressed concern about potential abuses stemming from this broad interpretation of congressional powers, warning it could undermine state sovereignty and individual liberties if left unchallenged.