Another step toward tyranny?

The first weeks of the new administration have seen the president send his unelected billionaire to close agencies and cut off funding approved by Congress. 

The blocked funding includes hundreds of millions for broadband improvements across Montana and millions in U.S. Department of Agriculture payments for our agriculture producers.

These funds and agencies were duly approved by our elected representatives, in our national Congress. This is the “power of the purse." The Founders authorized Congress alone to have this authority and duty, not the president.

In 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Clinton administration and struck down the line item veto. The Court stated the President lacks the power to change or repeal laws, or parts of laws, without Congress' consent. 

The Court protected each of us, and all of us, from losing our three independent branches, our checks and balances. In short, the Court defended  “we, the people" against a slide into monarchy or tyranny, by following the Constitution’s clear words that keep control of public money in Congress' hands.

Who is defending Congress' power of the purse right now, today? Not Montana's two Senators or two members of Congress. All four have sat silently while their core responsibility has been stolen from them. They seem to be OK with handing over our Constitutional power to an unelected billionaire.

How can Senators Daines and Sheehy, and Representatives Downing and Zinke, make no defense of these funds for Montanans? Our strongest industry is agriculture. Our hospitals, schools, businesses, towns and families deserve reliable broadband in every corner of the state.

Why don't these four defend the People's House of Representatives and the Constitution's separation of powers against this blatant assault? 

Senators Daines and Sheehy, Reps. Downing and Zinke: you hold the public trust and swear an oath to defend our Constitution. You are paid and privileged to do so. 

Either summon the courage to defend us against this lawless power grab, or resign and explain what “higher goal" has overcome your oath to our Constitution.

Sincerely, 

Elizabeth Halverson, Billings, Montana