On the recordMay 8, 2012
Let me speak briefly on this matter. I thank the gentlelady for bringing this amendment. The Constitution of our United States, which was written in Philadelphia, suggests three branches of government--the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. I would oppose an amendment like this in a Democratic-majority Congress trying to impede a Republican administration's Justice Department from acting to, in their belief, represent the legitimate, authentic view of the Constitution in a Federal matter. To fight in court is one thing. To take away someone's right to have a lawyer--that is to say, the Justice Department can't go into court on behalf of the executive branch when they feel the Constitution is being violated--I think is a bad precedent. I think that for those who are interested in protecting and upholding our Constitution, to support it, this is a vote that you will regret having on your record as you look back on your service in the Congress. I yield back the balance of my time.
