Introduction of A Resolution Reaffirming the Principles of the Constitution of the United States
Floor Speech
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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a House resolution along with my colleague, Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-08), to reaffirm the principles of the Constitution of the United States of America, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, the independence of the judiciary, and the power of Congress to control spending, declare war, and conduct oversight. This resolution also reaffirms the key individual protections enshrined in the Constitution, including due process and equal protection under the law.
This resolution comes six months into President Donald Trump's second term, a period which has been marked by escalating erosions of constitutional norms and executive overreach by his administration.
Article I of the Constitution grants Congress broad powers, including the power to declare war, regulate commerce, raise revenue, appropriate funds and conduct oversight. For decades, Congress has gradually ceded more of these Constitutional responsibilities to the executive branch. As our country's founders warned, this has created a dangerous situation ripe for Presidential abuse. It is essential that Congress reclaim its legitimate authority as the first branch of government.
My resolution declares that appropriations made by Congress are law, not mere suggestions. It quotes James Madison, who said ``this power over the purse may, in fact, be regarded as the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.'' I urge my colleagues to hear this message today.
This resolution is endorsed by more than a dozen public interest and legal advocacy organizations, who stand united in reasserting the essential roles of the legislative and judicial branches and in declaring unequivocally that no individual--especially the President-- is above the law.
This resolution affirms what should be nonpartisan truths: that the separation of powers is vital for a functioning republic, that Congress controls the public purse, and that the rule of law and the protection it affords are for everyone. In the face of escalating threats to our constitutional order, Congress must not remain silent. This resolution is a declaration of principle and a call to action.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members of the House to cosponsor this important resolution.
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