Rep. Rosa DeLauro Sounds the Alarm: Undemocratic Actions Threaten Constitutional Governance
In a recent op-ed published in The New York Times, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, issued a stark warning to her fellow lawmakers and the American public. Titled “My Fellow Members of Congress: This Is a Naked Power Grab,” her piece squarely criticized President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk for actions she deemed “undemocratic” and a direct threat to the constitutional structure of the U.S. government. DeLauro’s article serves as both a call to action and a civics lesson, reminding readers of the foundational principles of American democracy and the dangers of unchecked power.
The Constitutional Foundation: A Reminder of Checks and Balances
DeLauro began her argument by emphasizing the clear framework established by the U.S. Constitution. She reminded readers that the document is unambiguous about the separation of powers, the two-term limit for presidents, and the role of Congress as the branch responsible for federal spending. She pointed to Article I, Section 9, Clause 7, which states, “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” This clause, she argued, unequivocally grants Congress the authority to control the purse strings, ensuring that no single individual or branch of government can unilaterally decide how federal funds are spent.
The Latest Power Grab: Executive Orders, Impoundment, and Self-Dealing
DeLauro then turned her attention to what she described as a brazen attempt to circumvent these constitutional safeguards. She highlighted President Trump’s flurry of executive orders, which she claimed were designed to bypass Congressional authority. Additionally, she criticized Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency,” a initiative she characterized as a thinly veiled attempt to impose the will of a wealthy elite over the democratic process. Perhaps most concerning, however, was the practice of impoundment—the withholding of federal funds appropriated by Congress. DeLauro made it clear that the Constitution does not grant the president the unilateral power to impound funds, a principle that has been upheld in court decisions over the years.
Elon Musk’s Role: Self-Serving Interests Disguised as Reform
DeLauro also took aim at Elon Musk, a major donor to Trump’s last campaign, accusing him of engaging in self-dealing. She dismissed Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” as a “blue-ribbon commission” with no legal authority, designed to advance the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the broader public. By attempting to substitute the will of a privileged few for the will of the people, Musk, in DeLauro’s view, is undermining the democratic process. Her critique of Musk reflects a broader concern about the influence of billionaire donors in politics and the erosion of public trust in institutions.
The Common Thread: Undemocratic Tactics That Undermine Democracy
At the heart of DeLauro’s argument is the assertion that these tactics—whether they involve executive orders, impoundment, or self-serving commissions—share a common purpose: to bypass Congress and consolidate power in the hands of a select few. She warned that such actions are not merely procedural disputes but a direct assault on the principles of democracy. By undermining Congress’s constitutional authority, these tactics threaten to unravel the checks and balances that have long protected the integrity of the U.S. government. DeLauro made it clear that she will not stand idly by while these undemocratic practices redefine American governance.
A Call to Action: Defending Constitutional Governance
DeLauro’s op-ed concludes with a call to action, urging her fellow lawmakers to vigilantly defend Congress’s constitutional authority and resist the tide of cronyism and unlawful decision-making. She reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the Appropriations Committee’s role in ensuring that federal spending reflects the will of the people, not the whims of the powerful. Her piece serves as a reminder of the importance of constitutional safeguards and the need for accountability in preserving democratic institutions. As the nation continues to grapple with challenges to its governance, DeLauro’s warning underscores the urgency of addressing these threats before they irreparably damage the foundation of American democracy.
Read the full op-ed in The New York Times.
