Legislator action needed to curb executive overreach, protect democracy

The president's executive actions to cap overhead rates on NIH grants and defund federal agencies go against established laws and congressional authority. This unconstitutional overreach threatens vital medical research, healthcare services, and higher education institutions across the country. Ignoring legal precedents and legislating through executive orders erodes the system of checks and balances that upholds our democracy. Congress must reassert its constitutional role as a co-equal branch and use its power of the purse to rein in these unilateral actions that undermine the rule of law. If the President continues his unchecked actions and Republicans will not stand up to him, Democrats should boycott the work of Congress. Inaction will only embolden further abuses of executive power at the expense of the American people. Bipartisan cooperation is urgently needed to safeguard our democratic institutions and prevent lasting damage to the nation's interests. The future of effective governance rests on Congress fulfilling its sworn duty to defend the Constitution.