[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 472-473]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RENEWED INTEREST IN THE CONSTITUTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barletta). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Paul) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the Constitution has 
received a lot of attention in recent weeks, thanks to the tea party 
movement. It goes without saying that Members of Congress should have 
read the Constitution many times, and we should continue to study it.
  Citing the particular clause of the Constitution that authorizes 
newly introduced legislation is a reasonable suggestion, yet in reality 
it will do little to restrain unconstitutional growth of Federal 
Government. We have had such rules in the past and no benefit came of 
it.
  The laws that are passed reflect the preferences of those in charge, 
who promote their personal agenda. For too long that agenda has 
expanded government at the expense of personal liberty, regardless of 
which political party was in charge. Generally this trend was supported 
by voters, who rewarded most Members of Congress with reelection.
  For many of us, this expansion of government clearly violated the 
Constitution, yet it was always argued that the program somehow 
conformed to that ``living'' document.

[[Page 473]]

  By misinterpreting the general welfare clause, the interstate 
commerce clause, and the ``necessary and proper'' clause, Congress has 
justified every conceivable expansion of the Federal Government. 
Congress also has misinterpreted the 14th Amendment and legislated as 
though it had repealed the 10th Amendment. Sadly, Congress has also 
systematically abdicated its prerogatives and responsibilities to the 
executive branch over many decades.
  Too many people, in and out of Congress, grew up being taught that 
the Constitution was malleable. This has allowed judicial, legislative, 
and executive flexibility to make the Constitution ``a modern living 
document.'' Though the authors allowed for ``flexibility'' through the 
amendment process, this process has been ignored for the sake of speed 
and convenience.

                              {time}  1820

  As a result, the Constitution now has little meaning since most 
Members pay only lip service when taking their oath to obey it.
  But I am encouraged by our growing grassroots interest in the 
Constitution, especially among the younger generation. I am glad 
Congress is becoming aware of it.
  Our Constitution should be viewed as law, and Members of Congress 
should be expected to follow the rule of law. But a document is just 
that, and it is only as good as the character of those who represent us 
and promise to obey it.
  Distorted interpretations come easily when the goal is opposite of 
what the original authors intended and what the plain text provides.
  If true liberty is not our goal, persistent efforts to rationalize 
misinterpretations and circumvent the Constitution will continue.
  Without men and women of character in Congress, respect for the rule 
of law and a love of liberty, the Constitution becomes but a worthless 
piece of paper. Celebrating the Constitution without this understanding 
will do nothing to restore the greatness of America.
  Simply praising the document distracts from the need for Members to 
gain the courage to resist special interests; political self-interests; 
emergency needs in times of crisis; fear-based economic myths; and the 
persistent temptation to seek security over liberty while ignoring 
personal responsibility and self-reliance.
  Providing instruction in the Constitution for staff and/or Members 
begs the question: Who will be the teacher?
  I wonder, will this welcomed renewed interest in the Constitution 
lead to a healthy reassessment of all of our policies?
  Will there be no more wars without an actual congressional 
declaration?
  Will the Federal Reserve Act be repealed?
  Will only gold and silver be called legal tender?
  Will we end all of the unconstitutional Federal departments, 
including the Department of Energy, Education, Agriculture, Commerce, 
Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Labor?
  Will the Patriot Act be repealed and all of the warrantless searches 
stopped?
  Will TSA be restrained or abolished?
  Will the IRS's unconstitutional collection powers end?
  Will executive and judicial quasi-legislative powers be ended?
  Will we end the Federal war on drugs?
  Will we end the Federal Government's involvement in medical care?
  Will we end all of the Federal Government's illusionary insurance 
programs?
  Will we ban secret prisons, trials without due process, and 
assassinations?
  Will we end our foreign policy of invasion and occupation?
  For America to once again become the standard for a free society, our 
love of liberty and desire for peace must far surpass any public 
display of fidelity to the Constitution. We must first look to strong 
moral character, respect for the rule of law, and an understanding of 
the proper role of government in a free society.

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