Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) introduced a resolution reaffirming key constitutional principles, including the separation of powers, checks and balances, due process of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the power of Congress to control spending and declare war.  The introduction of this legislation comes as President Trump and his administration continuously undermine the Constitution and rule of law.

“Every member of Congress takes an oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “As Americans become increasingly alarmed by the Trump administration’s abuse of power, executive overreach, and open defiance of the rule of law, it is important that members of Congress are reminded of their duty to support and defend the Constitution.  That is why I am joining Congressman Garamendi in introducing this legislation to reaffirm our commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.  Support for our Constitution is not a partisan or controversial issue, and it is something that every member of Congress should support, regardless of party.”

“It’s been over six months since President Trump began his second term, and he has repeatedly shown contempt for the Constitution, the courts, and the democratic institutions that safeguard our republic,” said Congressman John Garamendi.  “This resolution affirms what should be nonpartisan truths: that the separation of powers matters, that Congress controls the public purse, and that the rule of law applies to everyone—especially the President of the United States.  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.”

Specifically, the resolution:

• Reaffirms the principles of the United States Constitution, 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;
• Reaffirms the protections for individual rights enshrined in the Constitution including due process of law;
• Condemns any efforts by public officials to undermine congressional authority, violate or ignore court orders or otherwise undermine the judiciary, the independence of executive agencies or the impartial application of the rule of law, or consolidate power in any single branch of government;
• Declares that appropriations made by Congress are law, not mere recommendations, and condemns any attempt to withhold, misdirect, or spend funds without congressional approval; and
• Urges all public officials, regardless of party, to reject any actions that seek to subvert congressional or judicial authority or otherwise threaten the constitutional order.

The American Governance Institute, American Humanist Association, Campaign Legal Center, Center for Reproductive Rights, Common Cause, Democracy Defenders Action, Equality California, Freedom From Religion Foundation Action Fund, People for the American Way, National Association of Social Workers, National Women's Law Center Action Fund, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Project on Government Oversight, and the Secure Elections Network have endorsed the resolution.

To read the full text of the resolution, click here.