Goodlatte Announces Creation of Task Force on Executive Overreach

Press Release

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, today announced the creation of a Task Force on Executive Overreach to examine the historic breakdown of the separation of powers and checks and balances that has led to the unprecedented increase in presidential power and executive overreach. The House Judiciary Committee plans to mark up a resolution to authorize the task force for six months in the coming weeks.

It will be part of the task force's mission to study the impact the increase in presidential and executive branch power has had on the ability of Congress to conduct oversight of the executive branch, the lack of transparency that furthers unchecked executive power, and the constitutional requirement of the President to faithfully execute the law. Additionally, the task force will review the tools at the disposal of the Congress to restore the proper balance of powers and hold the executive branch accountable. It will also make recommendations where there are deficiencies, including legislative solutions.

Chairman Goodlatte issued the following statement on the creation of the task force:

"The Constitution is clear: it is the role of Congress to make all laws, the Judiciary to interpret the laws, and the President to enforce the laws. This system was wisely set in place by our country's framers over 200 years ago because they knew first hand that the concentration of power in the same hands was a threat to individual liberty and the rule of law. In recent decades, however, presidents of both parties have aggrandized their power and usurped Congress to legislate from the Oval Office. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue; it's an American issue and touches the very core of our system of government.

"The House Judiciary Committee's Task Force on Executive Overreach will study this troubling trend and also look for solutions to prevent the executive branch from exceeding its constitutional authority. The separation of powers and its checks and balances are designed to protect individual liberty and we must ensure that it is preserved for future generations."

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