Hensarling Celebrates Constitution in First Remarks of 114th Congress

Statement

U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-05), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, released the following statement after participating in a reading of the Constitution of the United States on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:

"On Tuesday, I was humbled and honored to take the Oath of Office to serve as a Representative for the 114th Congress. The first line in that oath is a promise to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States,' so I felt it important that my maiden speech of this Congress be a celebration of the Constitution.

"I was privileged to read a portion of Article 1, Section 8, which gives Congress the power "to borrow money on the credit of the United States; to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes; to establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States.'

"President Obama has said he has a pen and a phone. Unfortunately, it would seem he is missing his copy of the Constitution -- or at least this particular section -- as he has continually usurped the power of Congress over immigration. In the coming days, I look forward to working with my colleagues to stop the president from continuing his unconstitutional power grab.

"There is no job more important and none that I take more seriously than upholding the Constitution. At a time when we are seeing power transferred from "we the people' to Washington in ever increasing measure, it is imperative that the people's representatives read and understand this sacred document. It is my prayer that our dedication will not stop at a simple reading--for no less than the future of our Republic is a stake."

Source