Paul Introduces Bill to Curb Executive Orders, Protect Individuals, Restore Checks and Balances PDF Print E-mail
FOR RELEASE: March 6, 2001

Paul Introduces Bills to Curb Executive Orders, Protect Individuals, Restore Checks and Balances

Washington, D.C. - On Tuesday, Representative Ron Paul introduced his "Constitutional Restoration Package", a series of bills aimed at reaffirming the system of checks among the three branches of government that have fallen drastically out of balance in recent years. The four bills re-establish the clear guidelines set forth in the Constitution with regard to the powers of the President and the duties of Congress.
Said Paul, "Our system of government is out of balance to the most casual of observers. We have the opportunity to more perfectly balance our system and prevent potential abuses. By clearly defining the lines of power, while restricting the ability of a single person to arbitrarily impose law, we will further secure the blessings of liberty upon our nation."
The centerpiece of Paul's package is the "Separation of Powers Restoration Act." This bill garnered more than 40 cosponsors in the previous congress and prohibits a presidential order from illegitimately taking power from the legislative branch and having the effect of law. Most importantly, the legislation grants legal standing to individual Members of Congress and Senators, state officials and private citizens who believe a president's Executive Order has overstepped constitutional bounds and negatively impacted them, their rights, their property or their business.
"The most glaring example of our out-of-balance system is the power of the president to create laws through the use of the Executive Order," said Paul. "Our system grants all legislative power to the legislative branch, while the Chief Executive exists to 'faithfully execute' those laws. The power of the Executive Order can commit our troops to undeclared wars, destroy industries, or make unprecedented social-policy changes. The 'Separation of Powers Restoration Act' will restore the balance between the branches of government that is so desperately needed."
Also included in the package is the "Constitutional War Powers Resolution", a bill which repeals the War Powers Resolution and restores the power to send American troops into conflicts to Congress.
The "Constitutional Republic Resolution" clarifies the nature of our federal system as a constitutionally limited republic, rather than a democracy. It also serves as a response to recent calls for the elimination of the electoral college which was created to protect smaller states against overreaching federal power. Eliminating it would nullify their voting power. Democracy represents unlimited rule by the majority, while a constitutionally limited republic preserves the liberty of the individual.
Finally, the "Constitutional Treaty Resolution" declares that no treaty which contradicts the Constitution will have any force or effect. This prohibits any foreign power or organization from controlling or commanding U.S. citizens, such as the United Nations has done with U.S. military personnel in recent "peacekeeping" missions abroad.
Said Paul, "This series of bills is critical to restoring the proper constitutional balance to our federal system. Curbing the executive order, returning the power to declare war to Congress, and protecting the liberties of our private citizens, as well as our men and women in uniform, will demonstrate a commitment to the Constitution that has been missing in Washington for far too long."