Every Bill Should State Its Constitutional Authority, Republican Congressman Say

[Hazcat]

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor

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."

--snip--

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.

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/70900

comments at link

[Solus]

Absolutely correct.  

Then all the previous bills should be reviewed and repealed if they fail the test.

Then the "Interstate Commerce Loophole" should be eliminated so Congress can't tell someone in Kansas what they can or can't do with nuts and bolts manufactured in Pennsylvania.

Then we can look at having all the laws passed by Congress apply to the Government and particularly members of Congress, though by the time the above has been taken care of, not many "bad" bills will be forthcoming.  

 

[JC5123]

I agree with most of the comments. This is a good idea, but the fact that this is even an issue pretty much guarantees it won't do any good.

[tt11758]

I agree with most of the comments. This is a good idea, but the fact that this is even an issue pretty much guarantees it won't do any goodpass.

FIFY

[alfsauve]

"They" --- "Progressives"  have such a warped view of the constitution that all they would do is stamp, "Commerce Clause" and move on. 

[Sponsor]

[seeker_two]

This....plus every law should have a 10-year time limit (like the AWB).....that way, it has to be re-justified...in time for the elections, of course...

[Solus]

This....plus every law should have a 10-year time limit (like the AWB).....that way, it has to be re-justified...in time for the elections, of course...

Some good and some bad in that....depending on if you like the law or not.

But the greatest good would come from having to fight again over existing laws instead of making new ones.   Anything that stops the Government from putting in new laws has to be good.