[Lwvcnmtopics] LWVCNM - Press Release - LWVUS Urges Congress to Act

[LWV CentralNewMexico]

*WASHINGTON *— Today, the League of Women Voters of the United States and
League chapters from all 50 states and the District of Columbia sent a
letter to congressional leaders expressing strong concern over abandoning
its duties and authorities under Article I of the US Constitution, urging
leaders to address the unprecedented executive branch overreach threatening
American democracy.

In the detailed letter to Congress, the League — a nonpartisan organization
with over one million members and supporters across all 50 states and the
District of Columbia — highlighted several recent executive branch actions
that are causing significant harm to millions of Americans, including the
undermining of the* Civil Rights Act of 1964*, attempts to end birthright
citizenship, pause distribution of congressionally allocated federal funds,
and dismantle federal agencies without proper congressional oversight.

Of particular concern is the creation of an unofficial "Department of
Government Efficiency" (DOGE) with free rein to sensitive government
systems and the summary removal of 17 inspectors general without the
required congressional notice. Additionally, DOGE employees who lack
security clearance have gained access to the Treasury Department payment
systems and other sensitive data from different departments. These
unauthorized personnel have prevented federal workers from entering their
offices and can manipulate or stop payments to federal agencies, including
USAID, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the US Department of
Education.

"The dismantling of our sacred democracy on full display for the world is
one of the most horrific events in modern-day politics," said *Celina
Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States*. "When the
executive branch egregiously signals it will defy court orders and neglect
the welfare of citizens, that is when Congress must be reminded of their
duty to defend the Constitution. The League demands Congress act to prevent
threats to the very fabric of our Republic.”

"This is a critical moment for congressional oversight, and Congress must
do its part to ensure that our great democracy is preserved and protected,"
said *Marcia Johnson, chief counsel at the League*. "The outcry from
Americans speaking out against the impact of these executive orders should
be all that is needed for Congress to stand in its authority and restore
stability to our system of government."

The letter emphasizes that while federal courts have already enjoined
several of these executive actions, Congress has not exercised its
constitutional oversight. The League and its supporters urge Congress to
exercise its authority to protect the rule of law, defend the Constitution,
and rein in the executive branch's overreach.

Read the letter
https://www.lwv.org/lwv-urges-congress-exercise-its-authority.
League of Women Voters of Central New Mexico
6739 Academy Rd. NE  Suite 124
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109-3352
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