Mike Thompson: “in May the President issued Executive Order 13803 which purported to set out a new definition of ``federalism.''…”

“in May the President issued Executive Order 13803 which purported to set out a new definition of ``federalism.'' However, it explicitly replaced President Reagan's Executive order on federalism and, in reality, the new order undermines federalism. Furthermore, it was written in secret without even any consultation with State and local officials. Every major State and local government group opposes this so-called federalism order, and they have asked the President to withdraw it. My amendment expresses the sense of the Senate that the President revoke his May 14th order and help restore the proper respect for State and local government and in our Federal system by reinstating both President Reagan's and his own prior orders on this subject. The Founding Fathers believed that the Federal Government had limited powers. The tenth amendment states that the powers not delegated to the States are reserved to the States or to the people. The public clearly wants important decisions to be made closer to home and not dictated from Washington, DC. Unfortunately, President Clinton's order will undermine federalism and promote Federal meddling into local affairs. President Clinton's order revokes President Reagan's Executive Order 12612 which was a clear commitment to the tenth amendment principles of a limited Federal Government.”