Federal Fiscal Sustainability Foundation board member David M. Walker gives his opinion about the Federal Debt and recommends that “the House Judiciary Committee should hold a hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 24, which relates to the Congress’ constitutional responsibility under Article V regarding this issue” in an op-ed published by DC Journal on January 8, 2024:
“The federal government is not operating consistently with the Constitution and the Founders’ intent. Their intent is captured in the words of the preamble to the Constitution, augmented by the 10th Amendment and the wise words of George Washington. The preamble of the Constitution states:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and be I establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
“We the People” recognizes who the Constitution is for and who is ultimately responsible for what our representatives do or fail to do in connection with the Constitution.
“Form a more perfect Union” recognizes the desire to pursue continuous improvement and that we will never be perfect.
“Establish, insure, and provide” are affirmative responsibilities of the federal government to achieve the stated goals.
“Promote” means to encourage, which is fundamentally different than provide.
“Secure” means to take steps to ensure individual liberty and equal opportunity in a manner consistent with personal responsibility and accountability.
“Posterity” means the government should be concerned with sustainability and its stewardship responsibility to ensure that our future is better than our past.”