Every Bill Should State Its Constitutional Authority, Republ

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Every Bill Should State Its Constitutional Authority, Republican Congressman Says
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor


Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) (Courtesy of Rep. Shadegg's Web site)
(CNSNews.com) - A Republican congressman says all bills introduced in Congress should include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which a law is being enacted.

Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) says his Enumerated Powers Act will force Congress to re-examine the role of the national government and curb its "ever-expanding reach."



"For too long, the federal government has operated without Constitutional restraint, creating ineffective and costly programs and massive deficits year after year," Shadegg writes on AmericaSpeakingOut, a Republican Web site that seeks ideas from the American people.

Shadegg says the trend of Congress overstepping its role has gotten "alarmingly worse" in the past 18 months.

As CNSNews.com has reported, some lawmakers apparently do not consider the Constitution in writing legislation.

In the debate over health care, for example, CNSNews.com asked various members of Congress -- including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- "Where does the Constitution authorize Congress to force individuals buy health insurance?"

Pelosi's response -- "Are you serious? Are you serious?" -- was one of many nonplussed answers CNSNews.com received. (See report)

Shadegg says he has introduced his Enumerated Powers Act in every Congress since the 104th. And now, as American families tighten their belts, he says it's time for Congress to do the same. "As Members of Congress, we need to make sure that we are only spending when authorized to do so," Shadegg said.

Republicans say Democrats are trampling on the Constitution with measures that reach far beyond the limits of government laid out by the Founding Fathers -- and it's time to reassert the relevance of the Constitution in every debate that takes place in Congress.

They are urging Americans to "debate and vote on" Shadegg's idea at AmericaSpeakingOut.com.

The official summary of H.R. 450, introduced on Jan. 1, 2009, reads as follows:

"Requires each Act of Congress to contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act. Declares that failure to comply with this requirement shall give rise to a point of order in either chamber of Congress."

The bill has not advanced beyond the Judiciary subcommittee to which it was assigned.


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