A Congressional First?

The 112th Congress will make history - at least the U.S. House will this week - when the entire 45-hundred words of the U.S. Constitution will be read aloud - something that's never happened before, according to news reports, in the 221-year history of the House.

The House Historian's Office found no record of the Constitution ever having been read aloud on the House floor.

The reading will occur Thursday - the day following the the swearing-in of Speaker-designate John Boehner (R-Ohio).

And then they will require that every new bill include a statement by the legislator who wrote it citing the constitutional authority to enact the proposed law.

That's right - citing constitutional authority.  This statement must accompany the introduction of a bill:

Section 2. Changes to the Standing Rules.

Citing Authority under the Constitution. Paragraph (a) creates a new clause 7 in rule XII providing that a Member may not introduce a bill or joint resolution unless the sponsor also submits a statement citing as specifically as practicable the power or powers under the Constitution authorizing the enactment of that bill or joint resolution. The statement will appear in a separate section in the Congressional Record and be made available to the public in electronic form.

With respect to Senate bills, the provision authorizes the chair of a committee of jurisdiction, prior to consideration of the Senate bill, to submit a statement as if the chair were the sponsor. Finally, the provision also repeals the current requirement for a similar statement in committee reports.

There are those who are already dismissing this focus on the Constitution as a gimmick, as a political maneuver.  Some even claiming the Constitution is outdated, no longer a pertinent document.

The fact is all Americans - especially those who represent us in the House and Senate - should spend more time reviewing and studying the Constitution. 

As we begin this new year, please take an opportunity to receive your free copy of our resource book, Foundations of Freedom, which includes the Constitution and other vital documents. 

It's our gift to you.  Get your copy here today.