Constitution Caucus Members Sign Amicus Brief to Stop Obama Overreach and Support Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), founder and Chairman of the Congressional Constitution Caucus, issued the following statement after signing on to an amicus brief in the Zivotofsky v. Kerry Supreme Court case:

“It is important that Congress shows it cares about the laws it passes and is willing to defend them in the face of an overreaching executive.  I believe that in addition to standing by our friend and chief ally in the Middle East, Congress has a duty to protect our constitutional balance.  I’m proud to support this brief, and look forward to a favorable ruling by the Court.”

Background:

In 2003, Congress passed a bill mandating that the State Department issue passports stating that American citizens who were born in Jerusalem should be recognized as Israeli upon their request. The State Department and President Obama have defied this law and continue to issue passports that state “Jerusalem.”  The administration claims that the 2003 law is an infringement on the executive branch. The Supreme Court previously heard arguments in this case and rejected one of the administration’s arguments at that point. After reconsideration by a lower court, the Supreme Court is now expected to rule on the administration’s unfounded assertions of executive power. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this fall in the Zivotofsky v. Kerry case.  

Other Constitution Caucus members that have signed onto the brief include Reps. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), and Jeff Miller (R-FL).

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