Dear Editor,
Friday night on the CBS evening news, it was reported that President Trump had signed an “executive order” to extend unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand, that these people need these benefits.
My issue is that the president signed an executive order to fund unemployment. First of all, according to the Constitution, only the House of Representatives has the authority to fund the federal government and its obligations.
Article I Section 7: “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.”
Article I Section 8: “The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts, and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States. To borrow Money on the credit of the United States.”
The allocation of funds for government run programs is to be allocated by Congress, not by an executive order from the President of the United States!
In my opinion, President Trump has overstepped his authority granted him by the Constitution of the United States! Which he swore to defend.
“I Do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
In my opinion, President Trump has over and over again abused the power and authority given to him as President of the United States, using “executive orders” to inhibit Congress in their assigned duties! He should be, He should have been impeached!
Sincerely,
William L. Pletcher
Owego, N.Y.
This is not only an opinion, it is a fact. The Constitution is our guiding principle. Everyone who also took that oath should be doing everything in their power to ensure the President and all other elected and appointed government officials including the military do not operate outside of the boundary of our Constitution.