Cord Byrd: “I opposed these amendments because the U.S. Constitution explicitly vests that power in the legislative branch. It is…”

“I opposed these amendments because the U.S. Constitution explicitly vests that power in the legislative branch. It is the responsibility of the Congress--the people's representatives--to determine the appropriate level of taxation and, consequently, the proper marginal rates. By delegating such duties to the Treasury Secretary, the Congress would continue a dangerous pattern of recent years of ceding congressional responsibilities to the executive branch. Placing these powers in the legislative branch was part of the Framers' carefully crafted constitutional design, comprised of an intricate system of checks and balances and separation of powers. I hope that the Senate will continue to protect the balance of powers by rejecting any amendment that would attempt to transfer its Constitutional responsibilities to the executive.”