Friday, May 10, 2019

Where is Congress? Where is the Press?

What is the source of Trump's authority to impose a tariff without Congressional approval? Article I of the Constitution gives the power to tax and raise revenue to Congress. If there is an emergency provision in some law somewhere, it should be challenged, either on the basis of Article I powers, or on the president's improper application of the provision. Why is Congress allowing this, the trampling of norms? Why is the press asking where is the authority? The Iran nuclear agreement is either a treaty that the Senate should have approved, or an agreement that should require oversight and cooperation of Congress. How can any president merely with the stroke of a pen abrogate treaty obligations undertaken by the country and its important allies? Where is Congress in allowing this? Where is the press challenging the idea of presidential authority? We now hear that our military has moved offensive weapons close to Venezuela, and to the Strait of Hormuz. I read that a GOP Senator wants to be sure that the executive branch (John Bolton) answers questions to Congress on what plans are in place, and to obtain the approval of Congress for military action. But he is a lone voice at this point. At least the press picked up on it today - a very brief mention. Too much deference to the president, crushing of norms, and our GOP is AWOL.

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