Needham Special Town Meeting Resolution

Floor Speech

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Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituent, Gerry Rovner, I include in the Record the following resolution, which was passed during the 2026 Needham Special Town Meeting by voice vote:

Whereas, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, written by John Adams, helped shape the United States Constitution and enshrines core principles of American governance, including separation of powers, checks and balances, the rule of law, and the protection of individual rights and civil liberties; and

Whereas, James Madison warned in Federalist No. 47 that ``the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands... may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny,'' affirming separation of powers as a fundamental safeguard of democracy; and

Whereas, the Town of Needham governs according to democratic principles grounded in the United States Constitution, the Massachusetts Constitution, and applicable federal and state law; and

Whereas, in the first year of his second term, President Trump has repeatedly undermined these constitutional principles by defying court orders, dismantling congressionally created agencies, withholding appropriated funds, imposing tariffs without congressional approval, and authorizing military actions abroad without congressional authorization; and

Whereas, the administration has also used intimidation tactics, including deploying troops on U.S. soil, threatening federal prosecution of perceived political enemies, and withholding federal funding for education and research, including from Massachusetts institutions, that refuse to comply with unlawful executive directives; and

Whereas, the administration has dismantled or weakened federal programs that support vulnerable populations, including programs affecting Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, prescription drug affordability, and protections under the Affordable Care Act; and

Whereas, immigration enforcement practices pursued by the administration and the Department of Homeland Security raise serious constitutional concerns, including detentions that undermine protections against unreasonable search and seizure, due process, and habeas corpus, and policies allowing agents to obscure their identities and detain individuals without judicial warrants; and

Whereas, recent Supreme Court decisions, including Trump v. United States (2024), have expanded presidential immunity for certain official actions, raising concerns about accountability and the balance of powers, while Congress has failed to exercise its constitutional responsibilities over war powers, appropriations, and oversight; and

Whereas, actions that undermine constitutional governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law at the federal level have direct consequences for the Town of Needham and its residents, as well as residents throughout Massachusetts, its municipalities, educational and research institutions, and vulnerable populations who rely on federal programs; and

Whereas, residents of Needham have consistently demonstrated through peaceful protest and civic engagement their expectation that democratic institutions be protected and constitutional norms upheld; and

Now therefore, be it resolved, that this Town Meeting affirms that no person, including the President of the United States, is above the law and that all pub]ic officials are bound by their oath to uphold and faithfully execute the Constitution of the United States; and

Be it further resolved, that this Town Meeting urges the President of the United States to faithfully execute the duties of the office in accordance with the Constitution and federal law, and calls upon the United States Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to conduct robust oversight of the executive branch and investigate any violations of the Constitution or abuses of executive power; and

Be it further resolved, that the Town Clerk transmit copies of this Resolution to the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and to the leadership of both Houses of Congress The collective voice of the Town of Needham may be entered into the public record.

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