Bob Barr: “today I ask my colleagues to send a clear message to the White House that our venerable Constitution is alive and well…”

“today I ask my colleagues to send a clear message to the White House that our venerable Constitution is alive and well, if not at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, at least here in the People's House. Especially, that the principles of the Tenth Amendment endure. On May 14, from Great Britain, President Clinton issued Executive Order 13083 which completely undercuts the notion of federalism that forms the basis of our entire system of government. This Executive Order deeply undermines, if not obliterates, the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Congress must stop the White House by responding aggressively and quickly. Blocking this unconstitutional Executive Order on federalism is essential. If we fail to act by August 12, 1998, the Order will go into effect; no ifs ands or buts; and regardless of what promises or platitudes are issued by the Administration. As most of us are aware, in 1987, President Ronald Reagan issued Executive Order 12612, reaffirming the principles of federalism and the powers reserved to states and individuals as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. Ronald Reagan's Executive Order which is explicitly repealed by President Clinton, detailed that the federal government was given few, limited, and enumerated powers. Reagan's Executive Order served as a limitation on Executive Agencies, not an accelerant on their work, as proposed in President Clinton's order.”