Constitution Day

Floor Speech

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend each American who celebrated Constitution Day, which was last Saturday, September 17.

Over the past few decades, many Americans have expressed disgust with our out-of-control reach of government and erosion of the very freedoms that we claim to protect.

The powers of Congress are clearly laid out in article I, which is the most expansive article of the Constitution for a reason. Our Founding Fathers fully intended for power to rest with the people, in a legislative body.

I'm proud to say that during this Congress, the House has taken significant steps to restate its constitutional authority and has given an earnest attempt to returning to a constitutional government.

One example is the TRAIN Act on the floor this week, legislation intended to rein in the executive branch's gross regulatory overreach. From the debt limit debate to each spending bill considered on the floor, this process has been about more than just our need for fiscal reform. It's about the timeless principles of freedom, justice, and opportunity that have provided America with 224 years of prosperity and the future promise of our Nation, if we continue to hold these principles dear.

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