1. United States
2. R.I.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I ask you to publicly affirm Rhode Island’s longstanding commitment to constitutional government by encouraging our state’s congressional delegation to defend Congress’s authority under Article I of the United States Constitution. Regardless of political affiliation, Americans benefit when each branch of government operates within its constitutional role. Executive orders serve an important administrative purpose, but they should never become substitutes for legislation enacted by Congress. Executive Order 14399 has raised important constitutional questions regarding the scope of presidential authority over matters that Congress has traditionally regulated by statute. Those questions deserve careful judicial review, robust congressional oversight, and thoughtful legislative consideration. Although the Rhode Island General Assembly cannot nullify a federal executive order, it can play an important leadership role by: Adopting resolutions affirming the constitutional separation of powers. Encouraging Rhode Island’s congressional delegation to exercise Congress’s legislative, appropriations, and oversight authorities. Supporting efforts that protect the integrity of constitutional governance regardless of which political party controls the federal government. Working with other states to defend the principle that major national policy changes should occur through legislation enacted by Congress rather than unilateral executive action. Our constitutional system depends upon institutional courage. The Framers intentionally divided governmental authority because they understood that concentrated power, regardless of who exercises it, threatens liberty over time. I respectfully ask you to encourage Rhode Island’s federal representatives to defend Congress’s constitutional role and to support any appropriate state actions that reinforce the principles of checks and balances, federalism, and the rule of law. The preservation of our constitutional order should never be viewed as a partisan issue. It is a responsibility shared by every public servant who has taken an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Thank you for your service to the people of Rhode Island and for your continued commitment to constitutional government.