[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 96 (Monday, June 8, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                NEEDHAM SPECIAL TOWN MEETING RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAKE AUCHINCLOSS

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2026

  Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituent, Gerry 
Rovner, I include in the Record the following resolution, which was 
passed during the 2026 Needham Special Town Meeting by voice vote:

       Whereas, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of 
     Massachusetts, written by John Adams, helped shape the United 
     States Constitution and enshrines core principles of American 
     governance, including separation of powers, checks and 
     balances, the rule of law, and the protection of individual 
     rights and civil liberties; and
       Whereas, James Madison warned in Federalist No. 47 that 
     ``the accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and 
     judiciary, in the same hands... may justly be pronounced the 
     very definition of tyranny,'' affirming separation of powers 
     as a fundamental safeguard of democracy; and
       Whereas, the Town of Needham governs according to 
     democratic principles grounded in the United States 
     Constitution, the Massachusetts Constitution, and applicable 
     federal and state law; and
       Whereas, in the first year of his second term, President 
     Trump has repeatedly undermined these constitutional 
     principles by defying court orders, dismantling 
     congressionally created agencies, withholding appropriated 
     funds, imposing tariffs without congressional approval, and 
     authorizing military actions abroad without congressional 
     authorization; and
       Whereas, the administration has also used intimidation 
     tactics, including deploying troops on U.S. soil, threatening 
     federal prosecution of perceived political enemies, and 
     withholding federal funding for education and research, 
     including from Massachusetts institutions, that refuse to 
     comply with unlawful executive directives; and
       Whereas, the administration has dismantled or weakened 
     federal programs that support vulnerable populations, 
     including programs affecting Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, 
     prescription drug affordability, and protections under the 
     Affordable Care Act; and
       Whereas, immigration enforcement practices pursued by the 
     administration and the Department of Homeland Security raise 
     serious constitutional concerns, including detentions that 
     undermine protections against unreasonable search and 
     seizure, due process, and habeas corpus, and policies 
     allowing agents to obscure their identities and detain 
     individuals without judicial warrants; and
       Whereas, recent Supreme Court decisions, including Trump v. 
     United States (2024), have expanded presidential immunity for 
     certain official actions, raising concerns about 
     accountability and the balance of powers, while Congress has 
     failed to exercise its constitutional responsibilities over 
     war powers, appropriations, and oversight; and
       Whereas, actions that undermine constitutional governance, 
     civil liberties, and the rule of law at the federal level 
     have direct consequences for the Town of Needham and its 
     residents, as well as residents throughout Massachusetts, its 
     municipalities, educational and research institutions, and 
     vulnerable populations who rely on federal programs; and
       Whereas, residents of Needham have consistently 
     demonstrated through peaceful protest and civic engagement 
     their expectation that democratic institutions be protected 
     and constitutional norms upheld; and
       Now therefore, be it resolved, that this Town Meeting 
     affirms that no person, including the President of the United 
     States, is above the law and that all pub]ic officials are 
     bound by their oath to uphold and faithfully execute the 
     Constitution of the United States; and
       Be it further resolved, that this Town Meeting urges the 
     President of the United States to faithfully execute the 
     duties of the office in accordance with the Constitution and 
     federal law, and calls upon the United States Congress to 
     exercise its constitutional authority to conduct robust 
     oversight of the executive branch and investigate any 
     violations of the Constitution or abuses of executive power; 
     and
       Be it further resolved, that the Town Clerk transmit copies 
     of this Resolution to the Massachusetts Congressional 
     delegation and to the leadership of both Houses of Congress 
     The collective voice of the Town of Needham may be entered 
     into the public record.

                          ____________________