Proposed Executive Summary
The following is a summary of the Resolution that we are proposing for approval by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
The Proposed Resolution: an Executive Summary
The Washington County Board of Commissioners officially recognizes that the Trump Administration is undermining the constitutional order by unlawfully appropriating to the Executive Branch powers that rightfully belong to the Legislative Branch, to the States, and to the People. More specifically, the commissioners, and their constituents, recognize that the Trump Administration has:
•Attacked and retaliated against news organizations, students, federal and civilian employees, lawyers, students, universities, citizens and noncitizens for exercising their First Amendment Rights;
•Disregarded the 14th Amendment to the Constitution to deny Birthright Citizenship to persons born in the United States;
•Ordered indiscriminate arrests of both undocumented residents and those with legal status, without Due Process of Law;
•Usurped powers reserved to the States – Control of Elections - by attempting to impose restrictions on voter registration, control of ballot return deadlines, and other election matters;
•Usurped powers reserved to the States – Powers to Create and Enforce Criminal Laws – by calling the National Guard into federal service and deploying troops to U.S. cities;
•Usurped legislative powers granted by the Constitution solely to Congress – The Power of the Purse - by impounding funds appropriated and obligated by Congress with the intent to coerce compliance with the administration’s values and dismantle agencies, programs and projects the administration disfavors; and
•Undermined public trust in government and the efficient functioning of public institutions by flouting Ethical Standards, including Trump’s use of the Office of the Presidency for personal gain, and soliciting and accepting tangible personal benefits from foreign governments.
The Board of Commissioners Resolves
•To oppose Trump’s unlawful actions and to support the rule of law, the constitutional roles of the US Congress and the States, and the rights guaranteed to the people.
•To support the work of the Attorney General of Oregon fighting Trump’s unlawful actions in the courts.
•To urge Oregon’s Congressional delegation to reclaim the Legislature's constitutional powers.
