The US Constitution is revered as an inspired work that not only has endured since New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788, but also because serious people over the centuries staked their honor on its words.
It should surprise no one that the Constitution’s first article addresses the legislative branch and stipulates, “All legislative Powers …” are granted to the Senate and House. Now let’s examine some current quotes and actions by esteemed Senators.
On June 28, Sen Josh Hawley (R-MO) criticized Medicaid cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the form of work requirements. “If you want to be a working-class party, you’ve got to deliver for working-class people,” he said. “You cannot take away health care from working people.” Three days later, on July 1, he voted for a bill that passed 51-50 (by a tie-breaking Vice-President vote) doing exactly that and now, two weeks later, he is introducing a bill to roll back Medicaid cuts.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voted for the bill that she subsequently said she hoped would not pass in the House, essentially implying she hoped someone else would do her job. Carveouts for food stamp error rates were instituted to win her vote, carveouts that don’t apply to Pennsylvania.
On the separate recission bill Sen Thom Tillis (R-NC) said, “I suspect we’re going to find out there are some things that we’re going to regret …” Maybe reading the bill, holding hearings and thinking would have helped. He voted for the bill.
On the same bill Sen Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said, “I don’t have any problem with reducing spending. We’re talking about not knowing … they would like a blank check, is what they would like. And I don’t think that’s appropriate.” And yet he voted for the bill.
I am not expressing support or opposition for either of the bills. My issue is the abdication of responsibilities of those in the Legislative Branch. Neither bill had hearings to discuss relative merits and both had marathon voting sessions in the middle of the night in both chambers of Congress.
Even recognizing politics is the ultimate compromise game, we should still hold to account those that represent us. When they do not stand up for their Article I duties and responsibilities, the Constitution is relegated to library shelves for musty outdated documents.
The majority of the people in this country did this to them selves. He told you he was going to be a dictator and all his lackeys would advocate their authority and follow him. Now only 6 months in to a 4+? Dictatorship we complain. Where was all this complaining when he was running for office.
You are absolutely correct!