2010.12.23
Goodlatte scores one for the Constitution, thanks Cuccinelli
Bob Goodlatte
Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, says the next U.S. House of Representatives — at his urging — will read the Constitution aloud. The new Republican rules also require legislators to submit “a formal statement pointing to the exact Constitutional provision that authorizes each bill they introduce.”
For the first idea, he credits . . . Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
Here’s a release from Goodlatte:
Goodlatte’s Efforts to Focus on U.S. Constitution Successful
Washington, D.C.: Today, at the urging of Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), the House Republican Leadership released House Rules for the 112th Congress that recommit the Congress to the text of the U.S. Constitution.
As part of the new Rules for the 112th Congress, all Members of the House will be required to submit a formal statement pointing to the exact Constitutional provision that authorizes each bill they introduce. In addition, as a further demonstration of its commitment to hold true to the fundamental principles upon which this country was founded, the new Rules include Rep. Goodlatte’s recommendation that the U.S. Constitution will be read aloud on the House Floor during the first week of the 112th Congress.
“One of the resounding themes I have heard from my constituents is that Congress should adhere to the Constitution and the finite list of powers it granted to the federal government,” said Congressman Goodlatte. “I am very pleased that the Republican Leadership included my recommendation that the U.S. Constitution be read aloud on the House Floor during the first week of session. This historic and symbolic reading is long overdue and shows that the new majority in the House of Representatives truly is dedicated to the U.S. Constitution and the principles for which it stands. Additionally, I would like to thank Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for his efforts to advance this initiative.”
As the written expression of the consent the American people gave to their government – a consent with restrictions and boundaries – the public reading of the Constitution will set the tone for the 112th Congress.
Goodlatte is a senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Constitutional amendments and other issues pertaining to the U.S. Constitution.
So this will be the first time anyone in Congress, especially Goodlatte, has ever read the Constitution at all? Probably, considering neither him or anyone else there seems to value it or follow it.
This is nothing more but a olive branch for him to the Tea Party groups that know he has turned into a progressive. It will change nothing. Just a publicity stunt….as always.
Comment by belle — December 23, 2010 @ 10:40 am
It’s a noble effort and earns him bronwie points, but will have little, if any, impact. I equate it to the sportmanship statements read at the beginning of college and high school games. As soon as the game begins, obscenities are yelled and “gamesmanship” ensues with total disregard to what was read 10 minutes before. In other words, it’s window dressing.
Comment by Rick — December 23, 2010 @ 11:04 am
belle
Goodlatte a progressive? That’s the best laugh I’ve had this week. What
he is is a weak kneed pol who shifts with the wind and wastes his and the
tapayers time with silly stuff like this and the other feel good
meaningless pieces of legislative puff that he introduces from time to time that do no one, especially his constituents, any good.I’m embarrassed
that he represents this district.
Comment by dave — December 23, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
If simply reading the Constitution made people actually comprehend it, this might be a worthwhile endeavor instead of the political stunt that it is. We have too many arm chair Constitutional Scholars who are ignorant as it is. This will certainly trip up some arrogant fool and cause staff to work harder so it might be good for giggles.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — December 23, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
#3 dave
Patriot Act and Medicare Part D votes make him progressive to me. Both votes towards socialism IMO.
Comment by belle — December 23, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
3 “dave
Patriot Act and Medicare Part D votes make him progressive to me. Both votes towards socialism IMO.”
A vote for the Patriot Act(ever notice how titles today always mean the opposite?) is a vote for authoritarianism.Goodlatte betrayed us by voting for this and Real ID..your face will be measured for video recognition next time you renew your license or if you have recently.Big brother lives.And is growing even more under Obama.Fight it while you still can.Our time grows short.Govt. recently have taken over the web to manipulate how we get web info.The noose tightens.Row well and live America.
Comment by Jack Mcguire — December 23, 2010 @ 5:33 pm