Defend Congress's authority against executive overreach

The Trump administration's recent actions targeting members of Congress and their staff are a blatant attempt to intimidate and undermine the legislature's constitutional authority as an equal branch of government. Incidents like the detention of Representative Jerry Nadler's aide and the dubious charges against Representative LaMonica McIver represent an escalating assault on Congress's ability to conduct oversight and serve as a check on executive power. These concerning developments come amidst a broader pattern of the executive branch encroaching on congressional powers, from attempting to bypass the Senate's advice and consent role to flouting the power of the purse. If left unchecked, such actions will further erode the system of checks and balances so vital to our democracy. It is imperative that Congress firmly assert its institutional prerogatives and independence in the face of these threats. Failing to do so risks setting a dangerous precedent that could enable any future administration to further consolidate power at the expense of legislative authority. Robust congressional oversight, pursuing sanctions for obstructive behavior, and if necessary, seeking judicial remedies, must be on the table to protect the Constitution's balanced distribution of powers among the three branches of government. The health of our democratic system depends on Congress's willingness to zealously defend its role.