- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 13,005
- Reaction score
- 5,739
- Location
- Huntsville, AL (USA)
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Moderate
Even since the first shutdown of the government in 1981, I've always wondered if it was the right thing to do. Recently, I came across this same question in a book I've been reading, "Broken Government," by John W. Dean. So, I re-read the Constitution and came across the following clauses:
Art 1, Sect 8 (clause 1):
Art 1, Sect 9 (clasue 6):
Art 6 (clause 3):
According to Dean, since each member of Congress takes an oath to support as stipulated in the Constitution (and as setforth in both the House and Senate rules), is it then a violation of their constitutional obligation to properly fund the government as laws dictate for adequate appropriations as outlined in Art 1, Sect 9 to include all facets of government as outlined in Art 1, Sect 8, i.e., "provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States"?
In light of our current budgetary showdown in DC, I was wondering what others may think of this.
Your thoughts...
Art 1, Sect 8 (clause 1):
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States;
Art 1, Sect 9 (clasue 6):
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
Art 6 (clause 3):
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution;
According to Dean, since each member of Congress takes an oath to support as stipulated in the Constitution (and as setforth in both the House and Senate rules), is it then a violation of their constitutional obligation to properly fund the government as laws dictate for adequate appropriations as outlined in Art 1, Sect 9 to include all facets of government as outlined in Art 1, Sect 8, i.e., "provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States"?
In light of our current budgetary showdown in DC, I was wondering what others may think of this.
Your thoughts...