Stand Up for the Rule of Law

Floor Speech

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Mr. MIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that Congress and only Congress has the power of the purse. Yet, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have unlawfully impounded billions of dollars of congressionally approved funds. They have illegally slashed funding for veterans, food for hungry babies, and purported to terminate entire agencies created by Congress. This is not consistent with the Constitution or with democracy.

Trump and Musk are asserting the powers of dictatorship. Unfortunately, our Republican colleagues have refused to enforce the law or the Constitution when it comes to this administration.

That is why I, along with Representatives Liccardo and Vindman, introduced the Protect Our Constitution and Communities Act, or POCCA.

POCCA affirms the separation of budgetary powers and creates a private right action for individuals, States, and local jurisdictions that have been harmed by the administration's repeated violations of the ICA.

POCCA would also hold accountable any public official with decisionmaking authority who knowingly and intentionally violates the ICA, such as Elon Musk.

It is time to stand up for the rule of law and to put the power of the purse back where it belongs, in the hands of Congress.

This National Police Week, I urge my colleagues to consider supporting this important law enforcement priority.

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