GOP House Stunts: Will Read Constitution On Floor; Make Lawmakers Cite Article Supporting Their Legislation

Republicans will put on a a dog-and-pony show at the start of the next Congress, reading the Constitution on the House floor. Then, whenever a legislator writes a bill, he or she will have to cite where in the Constitution the authority exists to enact it.

“On November 2nd, voters called for an end to reckless spending and a renewed commitment to the Constitution,” said Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), a tea party favorite. “These new rules show that Republicans are serious about respecting the Constitution.”

Of course, unbeknown to tea partiers, the Constitution is open to interpretation. That’s why we have men and women in robes who sit on benches.  Remember that branch of government?  Article 1 Section 8 allows for promoting the “general welfare” of the United States and also contains the “necessary and proper” clause: “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.”

It’ll be fun when they get to Article 1 Section 2 which declares slaves 3/5 of a person:

Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.

Hopefully they’ll get to the amendment overturning slavery before they go on their merry way.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.