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

I am writing as a concerned American citizen to urge Congress to exercise its full constitutional authority to prevent the practical implementation of Executive Order 14399 if you determine that it exceeds the authority granted to the Executive Branch or conflicts with federal law. The Constitution establishes a system of separated powers precisely so that no single branch of government may unilaterally determine national policy. While presidents possess the authority to issue executive orders directing executive agencies, those orders cannot replace legislation enacted by Congress or alter the constitutional balance established by Article I. Congress has numerous lawful tools available to fulfill its constitutional role. I respectfully ask you to use every appropriate mechanism available, including: Passing legislation that clearly defines the limits of executive authority over federal election administration and supersedes any conflicting provisions of Executive Order 14399. Exercising Congress’s power of the purse by prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to implement provisions that exceed statutory authority. Conducting rigorous oversight through hearings, investigations, and requests for testimony and documents from agencies implementing the order. Amending governing statutes to clarify agency responsibilities and prevent executive actions that Congress did not authorize. Reviewing and, where applicable, disapproving any implementing regulations issued pursuant to the Executive Order through available legislative procedures. Supporting judicial review through appropriate congressional participation when questions of constitutional authority arise. Carefully evaluating executive nominees based on their commitment to faithfully executing the law as written by Congress. Regardless of one’s views on election policy, preserving the constitutional separation of powers should remain a bipartisan commitment. Lasting changes to federal election law should be debated openly, amended through the legislative process, and enacted by the representatives elected to make those decisions—not established through unilateral executive action. Our constitutional system depends on each branch respecting the limits of its own authority while vigorously defending its institutional responsibilities. I urge Congress to reaffirm its Article I powers by ensuring that Executive Order 14399 cannot produce practical effects beyond those authorized by laws duly enacted by Congress. Americans deserve election laws that are transparent, constitutionally grounded, and created through the democratic legislative process. I respectfully ask you to protect that principle by using every constitutional tool available to ensure that the Executive Branch remains accountable to the laws enacted by Congress. Thank you for your service to our nation and for your commitment to preserving our constitutional system of checks and balances.