Senate Limits Federal Government to One Man
Senate Republicans delivered a landmark victory for limited government Thursday by limiting the federal government to one man. Lawmakers rejected a proposal that would have required President Donald Trump to obtain congressional approval before imposing sweeping tariffs, withholding appropriated funds or reorganizing agencies created by Congress. The vote reaffirmed the Constitution’s most sacred modern principle: The president acts, Congress watches television, and senators later explain that governing happened too quickly for anyone inside the Capitol to intervene.
“This is what checks and balances were always supposed to mean, because Congress writes the checks and I decide what balance everybody gets,” Trump said. “The Founders wanted one very successful president making every decision, and many scholars say they would have put my name directly into the Constitution if they had known me.” Republicans praised the arrangement as an essential defense against government overreach, noting that federal power becomes harmless when concentrated in a single person they currently like. They added that requiring elected legislators to approve taxes, spending changes or the elimination of public offices would create a dangerous precedent under which Congress might be expected to perform congressional duties.
Democrats led by Chuck Schumer argued that the legislative branch possesses powers beyond issuing statements expressing concern, a fringe interpretation popular among civics teachers, parchment enthusiasts and Americans who read warranty instructions. Several Republican senators countered that oversight remains fully available through private conversations, furrowed brows and carefully worded assurances that the president will eventually supervise himself. Rand Paul reiterated his commitment to shrinking executive power in principle, provided the shrinking does not inconvenience the executive exercising it.
Congressional leaders celebrated by stepping carefully around the authority sitting directly in front of them. Under the streamlined system, Trump may announce a tariff, freeze money already approved by lawmakers, rename a program or dismantle an agency; aides then explain what he probably meant, senators praise his decisiveness, and businesses discover the governing philosophy through their invoices. Legislative oversight will remain preserved in ceremonial condition behind glass, where school groups may view it without risking accidental use. Limited government has now been achieved by giving one man all of it.
* None of the quotes in this article were spoken by an actual person. More info.