Congress, Take Back Your Power

I think this WashPost OpEd by Mr George Will is a little over the top, but his fundamental point is on target.  The US Congress was empowered by the US Constitution to Legislate for the Citizenship.  In these days they don't.  They delegate to the President and the Bureaucracy.  This is WRONG.

As for "Signing Statements", while they have been traced back to President James Monroe, they have become a pestilence.

The US Congress has the power, through Congressional Hearings and the power of the purse strings, to get control of this situation.  This is not about President Obama or President George W Bush.  This shift in power has been going on for a century.

Congress has acted in the recent past to regain its footing, but only in a limited way.  One such action was the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 enacted partly in reaction to President Nixon impounding funds authorized and appropriated by Congress.  Another was the War Powers Resolution of 1973.  It was Congress saying NO to the President.  It is their right.  It is their duty.  Not for the fun of it or partisan advantage, but for the good of the Republic.

Regards  —  Cliff