Ben Ray Lujan

S 3385 ObamaCare Subsidy Extension (Cloture Rejected 51 to 48 on 12/11/2025, Roll Call 644). Extends enhanced ObamaCare subsidies by an additional three years. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S J Res 90 Venezuela (Rejected 49 to 51 on 11/6/2025, Roll Call 608). Prevents military action within or against Venezuela without a congressional declaration of war. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S J Res 80 Alaska Petroleum Reserve Rule (Passed 52 to 45 on 10/30/2025, Roll Call 599). Overturns a 2022 Bureau of Land Management rule for the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8 & Art. IV, Sec. 3.

Senator Rand Paul’s (R-Ky.) amendment to S 2296 Federal Reserve Interest Payments (Rejected 14 to 83 on 10/9/2025, Roll Call 562). Prohibits any Federal Reserve bank from paying interest on reserve balances that are maintained at a Federal Reserve bank by or on behalf of a big bank or another depository institution. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S Con Res 22 Budget Resolution (Rejected 36 to 62 on 9/16/2025, Roll Call 521). Cuts six percent of all federal spending. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator John Kennedy’s (R-La.) amendment to HR 3944 Reducing Agriculture Funding (Rejected 14 to 81 on 8/1/2025, Roll Call 476). Reduces discretionary spending in the agriculture appropriations component of the bill by two percent across the board. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 4 Fiscal 2025 Rescissions (Passed 51 to 48 on 7/17/2025, Roll Call 411). Rescinds $9 billion in funding previously appropriated by Congress for fiscal 2025. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator Mike Lee's (R-Utah) amendment to HR 1 Ending "Green" Subsidies (Rejected 21 to 79 on 7/1/2025, Roll Call 360). Ends federal tax credits for projects utilizing battery and energy-storage technologies. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S 1582 GENIUS Act (Passed 68 to 30 on 6/17/2025, Roll Call 318). Imposes new federal regulations on cryptocurrency stablecoins. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

H J Res 42 Appliance Efficiency Regulations (Passed 52 to 46 on 4/30/2025, Roll Call 223). Overturns a Department of Energy rule imposing new efficiency-standard certification, labeling, and enforcement requirements for dozens of appliances. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

H. J. Res. 20 Water-heater Rule (Passed 53 to 44 on 4/10/2025, Roll Call 207). Would overturn a 2024 Department of Energy rule, titled "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters," that imposed new requirements on gas-fired instantaneous water heaters and effectively banned the sale of non-condensing models.

H. Con. Res. Minimum-wage Increase (Rejected 47 to 52 on 4/5/2025, Roll Call 184). During consideration of a budget resolution for fiscal 2025 (House Concurrent Resolution 14), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) offered an amendment to increase the federal minimum wage to at least $17 an hour over five years.

Sen. Paul's amendment to HR 1968 Debt Ceiling (Rejected 5 to 94 on 4/4/2025, Roll Call 179). Reduces the bill's increase in the debt limit from $4 trillion to $500 billion.

Sen. Paul's amendment to HR 1968 USAID Funding Cuts (Rejected 27 to 73 on 2/21/2025, Roll Call 77). Reduces funding levels for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S 9 Protecting Women's Sports (Rejected 51 to 45 on 3/3/2025, Roll Call 100). Would ensure that only real (i.e., biological) women and girls compete in women's sports that are operated, sponsored, or facilitated by federal funding. "Transgender" women and girls — i.e., biological males who "identify," or pose, as females — would be prohibited from competing.

H J Res 35 EPA Emissions Rule (Passed 52 to 47 on 2/27/2025, Roll Call 97). Overturns an EPA rule that imposed annual fees on oil and gas facilities that emit methane above certain thresholds. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to S Con Res 7 Deficit Reduction (Rejected 24 to 76 on 2/21/2025, Roll Call 77). Reduces the deficit by approximately $1.4 trillion through fiscal 2034. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator Ben Ray Luján's (D-N.M.) amendment to S Con Res 7 Federal Funding for Law Enforcement (Rejected 48 to 52 on 2/21/2025, Roll Call 81). Increases federal funding for local law enforcement by funding the COPS Hiring Program. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator Tammy Duckworth's (D-Ill.) amendment to S Con Res 7 In Vitro Fertilization (Rejected 49 to 51 on 2/21/2025, Roll Call 82). Protects access to "reproductive healthcare," including "fertility treatment services" such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S 6 Medical Care for Abortion Survivors (Rejected 52 to 47 on 1/22/2025, Roll Call 11). The U.S. Constitution does not grant a right to abortion. Abortion is not healthcare, it is the ending of innocent human life, and the Declaration of Independence affirms the right to life as a fundamental, God-given, and inherent right.

HR 10545 Continuing Appropriations (Passed 85 to 11 on 12/21/2024, Roll Call 339). Extends federal funding through March 14, 2025. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S J Res 117 Canceling Ukrainian Debt (Rejected 37 to 61 on 11/20/2024, Roll Call 295). Disapproves of President Biden's plan to cancel $4.65 billion in Ukrainian debt.

S 4445 In Vitro Fertilization (Rejected 51 to 44 on 9/17/2024, Roll Call 242). Would, in the words of the bill, "protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization."

S. J. Res. Consumer Furnaces Rule (Passed 50 to 45 on 5/21/2024, Roll Call 176). Senate Joint Resolution 58 would reverse a December 2023 Department of Energy rule setting stricter energy-efficiency standards for non-weatherized and mobile-home gas furnaces at 95-percent annual fuel utilization efficiency.

PN 927 Courtney Diesel O'Donnell Nomination (Confirmed 49 to 45 on 5/15/2024, Roll Call 164). President Joe Biden nominated Courtney Diesel O'Donnell to serve as the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with the rank of ambassador.

HR 815 Foreign Aid Package (Passed 79 to 18 on 4/23/2024, Roll Call 154). Provides a total of $95.3 billion in “emergency” aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 7888 FISA Reauthorization (Passed 60 to 34 on 4/20/2024, Roll Call 150). Would reauthorize for two years, until 2026, Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which governs electronic surveillance of foreign terrorism suspects.

Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 7888 Surveilling U.S. Citizens (Rejected 11 to 81 on 4/19/2024, Roll Call 147). Prohibits federal officials from requesting orders under FISA to surveil U.S. persons, among other provisions. See U.S. Const., amend. 4.

S 4072 EPA Tailpipe Emissions Rule (Rejected 52 to 46 on 4/18/2024, Roll Call 142). Prohibits the use of fiscal 2024 funding to implement or enforce EPA rules on tailpipe emissions for vehicles. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S J Res 61 Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Passed 53 to 47 on 4/10/2024, Roll Call 121). Would reverse a December 2023 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) rule that requires state transportation agencies to set targets for reducing transportation-related greenhouse-gas emissions and report to the FHWA on their progress.

Sen. Eric Schmitt's (R-Mo.) amendment to HR 2882 Free Speech (Rejected 47 to 51 on 3/23/2024, Roll Call 109). Prohibits funds from being used by the federal government to label speech as “disinformation or misinformation” or to coerce online platforms to censor such speech. See U.S. Const., amend. 1.

HR 2882 Consolidated Appropriations (Passed 74 to 24 on 3/23/2024, Roll Call 114). Appropriates $1.2 trillion in total funding for fiscal 2024. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Sen. Paul's amendment to HR 2882 Spending Reductions (Rejected 34 to 63 on 3/23/2024, Roll Call 106). Reduces spending by 5 percent, excluding military and border funding. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Sen. Bill Hagerty's (R-Tenn.) amendment to HR 2882 Migrant Parole Program (Rejected 47 to 51 on 3/23/2024, Roll Call 112). Prohibits funding in the bill from being used to fly illegal migrants into the United States. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Migrants who do not satisfy the conditions for asylum are often, upon their entry into the United States and release from custody, granted parole for up to two years under Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, making them eligible for work permits. Given that aliens are presumed to be ineligible for asylum if they enter the United States unlawfully after failing to seek refuge in a third country (e.g., Mexico), the CBP One app has effectively become a fraudulent gateway for millions of illegal migrants. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution stipulates that Congress shall have the power to “establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization,” and Article II, Section 3 requires the president to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.”

The purpose of the U.S. Census is to determine the allotment of congressional seats and Electoral College votes for each state. Illegal aliens, who are not U.S. citizens, should not be counted toward determining those numbers. Furthermore, changing the demographics of a congressional district or state also changes the voting patterns of those areas.

HR 4366 Consolidated Appropriations (Passed 75 to 22 on 3/8/2024, Roll Call 84). Appropriates $467.5 billion in federal funding for fiscal 2024. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 7463 Federal Reserve Activities (Rejected 37 to 53 on 2/29/2024, Roll Call 63). Prohibits the Federal Reserve from purchasing or selling the debt of any state or municipality. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8 and Art. I, Sec. 10.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the power to declare war belongs to Congress, and the United States should follow a policy of noninterventionism, minding its own business in foreign affairs.

S J Res 43 Student Loan Repayment Rule (Rejected 49 to 50 on 11/15/2023, Roll Call 310). Formally disapproves of an unconstitutional Department of Education rule to repay and forgive student loans. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Sen. Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 6363 Spending Reductions (Rejected 32 to 65 on 11/15/2023, Roll Call 311). Reduces funding in the bill for most federal agencies by 15 percent, and rescinds $30 billion in IRS enforcement funds. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 4366 Consolidated Appropriations Minibus (Passed 82 to 15 on 11/1/2023, Roll Call 284). Provides roughly $279 billion in spending for three of the 12 fiscal 2024 appropriations bills. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 4366 Audit the Fed (Rejected 46 to 51 on 11/1/2023, Roll Call 280). Requires a full audit of the Federal Reserve System.

The deployment of U.S. forces to Niger was not specifically authorized by Congress, and under the Constitution only Congress has the power to declare war.

The federal government has no authority under the Constitution to impose mask mandates.

HR 5860 Continuing Resolution (Passed 88 to 9 on 9/30/2023, Roll Call 247). Appropriates federal funding at bloated fiscal 2023 levels. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

It is unconstitutional to force vaccinations on people.

Sen. Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to S 2226 Declaration of War (Rejected 16 to 83 on 7/19/2023, Roll Call 191). Recognizes that the North Atlantic Treaty “does not supersede the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war.” See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

H J Res 44 ATF Firearm Brace Rule (Rejected 49 to 50 on 6/22/2023, Roll Call 171). Formally disapproves of an unconstitutional ATF rule expanding the definition of a “short-barreled rifle.” See U.S. Const., amend. 2.

The federal government has no authority under the Constitution to implement environmental regulations. Furthermore, the EPA’s rule feeds right into the climate-change hoax and, by extension, the UN’s Agenda 2030, and would impose onerous regulations on businesses.

Sen. Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to HR 3746 Spending Reductions (Rejected 21 to 75 on 6/1/2023, Roll Call 136). Decreases federal spending from $4.8 to $3.9 trillion over four years. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 3746 Bipartisan Debt-limit Deal (Passed 63 to 36 on 6/1/2023, Roll Call 146). Suspends the debt limit through January 1, 2025 and create caps on “discretionary” spending for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, among many other dubious changes. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

The claim that the ERA is a “valid … part of the Constitution” is a sham. When Congress submitted the ERA to the states for ratification in 1972, it set a seven-year ratification period that ended on March 22, 1979. During that period, 35 states ratified the ERA, but four of those states reconsidered and rescinded their ratifications. This left the ERA seven states short of the three-fourths majority (38 states) needed to become part of the Constitution. Prior to the deadline, when it became apparent the 38-state threshold would not be reached, Congress extended the deadline to June 30, 1982. This legally dubious extension caused a fifth state to rescind, and during the extension period no new states ratified. In recent years, three new states have ratified the ERA. But to claim that this makes the ERA part of the Constitution is to ignore the long-expired deadlines, as well as the five states that rescinded.

S 870 Federal Firefighter Grants (Passed 95 to 2 on 4/20/2023, Roll Call 94). Unconstitutionally authorizes $95 million annually through fiscal 2030 for the USFA, increasing funding levels by 24 percent. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S J Res 10 Abortion (Rejected 48 to 51 on 4/19/2023, Roll Call 90). Overturns the Department of Veterans Affairs rule allowing medical coverage for abortion counseling and procedures. See U.S. Const., amends. 5 & 14.

Both federal water regulations and the EPA are unconstitutional, and if the latest Biden administration rule were allowed to stand, activities such as farming and real estate development would be greatly hampered, since farmers and developers would be subject to increased unconstitutional permit requirements and fines concerning their treatment of almost any body of water, no matter how small.

It is unconstitutional to suspend the Constitution by declaring national public-health emergencies.

In recent decades both the Executive Branch and Congress have regularly skirted the constitutional requirement in Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution that treaties have to be made with the “Advice and Consent of the Senate … provided two thirds of the Senators present concur.” Instead of recognizing agreements as treaties, they unconstitutionally designate them as “executive agreements,” thereby enabling the president and Congress to avoid seeking the advice and consent of the Senate and pass them by a simple majority of the House and Senate, rather than the more rigorous threshold of two-thirds of the senators present.

Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to S 316 2001 AUMF Repeal (Rejected 9 to 86 on 3/22/2023, Roll Call 65). Repeals the unconstitutional 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

H J Res 30 ESG Fiduciary Rule (Passed 50 to 46 on 3/1/2023, Roll Call 35). Overturns the Labor Department's rule allowing retirement-plan fiduciaries to use ESG. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 2617 Omnibus 2023 Spending (Passed 68 to 29 on 12/22/2022, Roll Call 421). Spends $1.7 trillion on multiple unconstitutional programs and agencies. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 8404 Marriage (Passed 61 to 36 on 11/29/2022, Roll Call 362). Repeals the Defense of Marriage Act and codifies the "right" to marry regardless of sexual orientation.

It is unconstitutional to suspend the U.S. Constitution by declaring national public health emergencies.

Treaty Document 117-1 Hydrofluorocarbons Reduction (Ratified 69 to 27 on 9/21/2022, Roll Call 343). Ratifies the Kigali Amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, requiring the U.S. to increase regulations.

Congress should ensure that executive branch officials do not abridge parents’ freedom of speech or their right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances, which is protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

HR 5376 Inflation Reduction Act (Passed 50 to 50 on 8/7/2022, Roll Call 325). Spends at least $512 billion on multiple unconstitutional and left-wing programs and initiatives. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Under the U.S. Constitution, only the Congress may declare war.

NATO is based on the principle of collective security, as opposed to each country acting in its own best interests. Under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, “The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them … shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them … will assist the Party or Parties so attacked.” The expansion of this entangling military alliance, which was comprised of just 12 members at the time of its founding, increases the likelihood of the United States being drawn into a military conflict.

Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to S. 3373 Foreign Aid (Rejected 7 to 90 on 8/2/2022, Roll Call 277). Would offset the cost of S. 3373 by prohibiting USAID from distributing foreign-aid funds, other than to Israel, for 10 years. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 4346 Semiconductor Incentives (Passed 64 to 33 on 7/27/2022, Roll Call 271). Spends $54.2 billion on multiple unconstitutional research, development, and manufacturing programs, and authorizes an additional $168.7 billion in spending. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S 2938 Gun Control (Passed 65 to 33 on 6/24/2022, Roll Call 242). Implements new federal gun controls and mental-health programs. See U.S. Const., amend. 2.

HR 7691 Ukraine Aid (Passed 86 to 11 on 4/7/2022, Roll Call 191). Unconstitutionally spends $40.1 billion in aid to Ukraine. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S 4004 Covid Aid (Cloture rejected 52 to 43 on 5/19/2022, Roll Call 192). Unconstitutionally spends $48 billion in grants to small businesses harmed by government Covid restrictions. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Roe v. Wade was deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court on June 24, 2022, giving states the power to determine how they handle abortions. There is no constitutional provision granting a right to abortion. Many of our healthcare providers are subsidized by taxpayers, and government should not subsidize the killing of innocent human life.

Jackson is supportive of unconstitutional actions and clearly supports the woke agenda.

The CDC rule requiring persons to wear masks while on planes, trains, and buses is unconstitutional based on the 10th Amendment.

Senator Mike Lee's (R-Utah) amendment to H.R. 2471 Vaccine Mandates (Rejected 49 to 50 on 3/10/2022, Roll Call 75). Would "prohibit funding for COVID-19 vaccine mandates." See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8; amend. 10.

HR 2471 Omnibus Appropriations (Passed 68 to 31 on 3/10/2022, Roll Call 78). Spends $1.5 trillion on multiple unconstitutional programs and agencies. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Not only does this bill undermine election integrity, but it infringes upon federalism and state sovereignty as established under the Constitution and its 10th Amendment.

S 610 Debt Limit Increase (Passed 59 to 35 on 12/9/2021, Roll Call 491). Allowed the the Senate to pass a $2.5 trillion debt-limit increase, bypassing the filibuster and other normal obstacles to passage.

The Constitution does not grant the power to any branch of the federal government to force citizens to submit to vaccinations.

S 4 Voting Rights (Rejected 50 to 49 on 11/3/2021). Among other radical changes, gives the U.S. Department of Justice the power to unilaterally approve or reject any state election-law changes. See U.S. Const., amend. 10.

S 2747 Federalizing Voting (Rejected 49 to 51 on 10/20/2021). Implements a sweeping federalization of American elections. Mandates nationwide Internet, automatic, and same-day voter registration, and mail-in voting. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 4; amend. 10.

Nowhere in the Constitution is Congress authorized to allocate federal funding for education or to promote any particular curriculum in schools. Furthermore, critical Race Theory (CRT) is a radical and divisive theory that forces students to see and acknowledge others primarily by their skin color and racial ancestry, rather than by individual merits. CRT is part of the broader Marxist-inspired “Black Lives Matter” agenda and has its roots in Marxist “Critical Theory” originating from the Frankfurt School and Fabian Socialists. The federal government has no business promoting this extremist, anti-American agenda in our children’s schools.

Senator Josh Hawley's (R-Mo.) amendment to S.Con.Res.14 Police (Passed 95 to 3 on 8/10/2021). Unconstitutionally funds the hiring of 100,000 new local police officers nationwide with federal money. See U.S. Const., amend. 10.

S.Con.Res.14 Budget Resolution (Passed 50 to 49 on 8/11/2021). Sets budgetary levels to guide Congress in crafting, and is a necessary first step for the then-$3.5 trillion Build Back Better Act. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

The federal government should not interfere with energy exploration. Regulation of various industries, such as energy, is not one of the federal government’s enumerated powers under the Constitution. Allowing the United States to fully utilize its energy resources would make the country more self-sufficient and potentially create millions of jobs.

There is no constitutional provision granting a right to abortion, Roe v. Wade notwithstanding; and pro-life taxpayers should not be forced to fund a lethal practice that violates their deeply held religious convictions.

Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to S.Con.Res.14 Balancing the Budget (Rejected 28 to 71 on 8/10/2021). Would reduce federal spending by over $500 billion and eliminate the deficit by fiscal 2026.

HR 3684 Infrastructure (Passed 69 to 30 on 8/10/2021). Spends $1.2 trillion on wasteful projects and socialized programs. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

S. 2093 Federalizing Voting (Failed 50 to 50 on June 22, 2021, Roll Call 246). Would implement a sweeping federalization of American elections with provisions that would severely damage election integrity, including nationwide Internet, automatic, and same-day voter registration, mail-in voting, and early voting.

S 1260 Research and Development Package (Passed 68 to 32 on 6/8/2021). Unconstitutionally authorizes $250 billion over five years for federal funding of research and development programs. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

Senator Mike Lee's (R-Utah) amendment to S. 1260 Embryonic Research Restriction (Rejected 48 to 51, May 25, 2021, Roll Call 206). Would have banned taxpayer funds in S. 1260 from going to research that destroys or creates human embryos.

Senator Mike Lee's (R-Utah) amendment to S. 914 National Monument Water Rights (Rejected 41 to 54 on April 29, 2021, Roll Call 177). Would have limited the federal government's unconstitutional authority to reserve water rights when designating a national monument.

HR 1799 Paycheck Protection Program Extension (Passed 92 to 7 on 3/25/2021). Extends the Treasury Department’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from March 31 to June 30, 2021 despite no constitutional authorization. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

HR 1319 Coronavirus Appropriations (Passed 50 to 49 on 3/6/2021). Spends $1.9 trillion on unconstitutional programs in the name of coronavirus relief. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

House Resolution 24 Trump Impeachment (Acquitted 43 to 57 on 2/13/2021). The Senate may not constitutionally convict a private citizen, and Trump did not commit any crime. See U.S. Const., Art. II, Sec. 4.

Senator Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) amendment to S. Con. Res. 5 Enforce DHS Asylum Policies (Rejected 50 to 50 on February 5, 2021, Roll Call 51). Would allow for legislation enforcing the Trump administration’s “Remain in Mexico” policy that requires illegal migrants attempting to gain asylum in the U.S. to wait in Mexico.

Senator Rand Paul's (R-Ky.) amendment to S.Con.Res.5 Deficit Reduction (Rejected 29 to 71 on 2/4/2021).Would reduce federal spending by $67.4 billion in fiscal 2022 alone, and by a total of $7.2 trillion over 10 years.

Paul’s point is constitutionally unassailable. The Constitution states, “The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Yet as of January 20, when Joe Biden was sworn in as president, Trump was a private citizen to whom the impeachment power does not apply.

We oppose. The act includes spending not only for legitimate national defense, but also for military interventionism in foreign lands that does not make America safer. Also, the legislation undercuts the president’s legitimate authority as commander-in-chief by restricting his ability to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Germany, and South Korea.

We oppose. Congress is failing to address its profligate spending that yielded an annual federal deficit of $3.1 trillion in fiscal 2020. Moreover, Congress is minimizing its accountability to voters by combining all “discretionary” federal spending and coronavirus aid into one gigantic bill and only holding two votes on that bill in the House.

We oppose. Congress is failing to address its fiscally and constitutionally irresponsible budgeting and appropriating process that yielded an annual federal deficit of $3.1 trillion in fiscal 2020. Congress is minimizing its accountability to voters by combining all “discretionary” federal spending and coronavirus aid into one gigantic bill and only holding two votes on that bill in the House. Moreover, most of the coronavirus aid provisions, including direct checks, federal unemployment benefits, and subsidization of the economy, exceed the federal government’s authority.

We oppose. The bill advances a radical environmentalist agenda and increases federal government meddling in the energy market. Under the Constitution’s Interstate Commerce Clause, the federal government is empowered “to regulate Commerce … among the several States” only to prevent the restriction of the free flow of goods among the states. Moreover, H.R. 4447 infringes on U.S. sovereignty and will cause energy costs to skyrocket.

We oppose. Nowhere in the Constitution is the federal government authorized to regulate private employers, and federal requirements for covered benefits usually mean decreased pay. This is a matter reserved for the states and the people under the 10th Amendment.

We oppose. This bill irresponsibly increases the federal deficit and diverts energy royalties from being spent for needed constitutional purposes. Additionally, the Constitution does not authorize Congress to purchase private property except “for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings.” Moreover, the federal government already owns a huge percentage of land directly —about 28 percent of the nation — and is a demonstrably poor steward of public lands.

We oppose. The statues that fill the National Statuary Hall are sent by the states at their discretion, and Congress should not be assuming the authority to tell the states which statues they are and are not allowed to place in the hall. This is plainly an attempt to erase American history.

We oppose. The federal government should not be funding highways, addressing transportation-related “climate-change” issues, promoting motor-vehicle safety, or imposing a tax on driving in order to pay for highway construction and maintenance. Such projects should be left in the hands of state or municipal governments, where the Constitution intends such issues to be handled.

We oppose. The push for D.C. statehood is merely a politically motivated effort to gain two Democratic Party senators and thus more easily advance a left-wing agenda. Moreover, granting statehood to the District of Columbia violates Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. H.R. 51 purports to circumvent this constitutional prohibition by reducing D.C. to basically the Capitol and surrounding governmental buildings.

We oppose. Law enforcement is a local or state matter, and that is where decisions such as requiring police officers to wear body cameras should be made. By contrast, H.R. 7120 would move the country further in the direction of a federalized police force beholden to Washington.

It is unconstitutional for Congress to bail out the U.S. economy.

We oppose. Nowhere in the Constitution is the federal government authorized to disburse loans to small businesses or cover the salaries of laid-off employees. It is not the responsibility of the federal government to bail out businesses or the unemployed.

We oppose. While many of the proposed FISA modifications positive from a freedom and privacy standpoint, Congress should have instead voted to not reauthorize the FISA and let it expire. Despite the program’s title, the act permits surveillance of Americans who are not charged with any crime.

We support. According to the U.S. Constitution, only Congress may declare war. It is unfortunate that Congress has to pass a resolution enforcing this, but doing so puts a check on the war powers assumed by recent presidents.

We oppose. The time to ratify the ERA has long ended. Any further attempt to resurrect it to continue the ratification process is unconstitutional and inconsistent with the amendment ratification process as laid out in Article V of the Constitution.

HR 5430 USMCA (Passed 385 to 41 on 12/19/19). Contains the most dangerous provisions of NAFTA and the TPP. It will lead to a North American regional government similar to the European Union.

We oppose. In his actions on Ukraine, Trump did not commit “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors,” the constitutional requirement for impeaching and removing a president or other U.S. “civil officer.” The House presented no evidence of any “high crimes.” Trump was accused of withholding aid from Ukraine, but the aid was provided. Also, there is no crime in making a request to investigate Hunter Biden and Burisma, as was alleged.

We oppose. The “obstruction of Congress” charge does not rise to the level of the “high crimes and misdemeanors” for which a president may be impeached and removed. There is uncontestable truth to the charge: Trump did direct the executive branch to ignore subpoenas issued by highly partisan, pro-impeachment House committees. What is contested is whether a president may constitutionally ignore such subpoenas. But that is an issue for the federal judiciary, not impeachment, to decide.

We oppose. Most of the spending programs in this appropriations bill are unconstitutional. Also, congressional spending for fiscal 2020 is grossly fiscally irresponsible. In mid-2020, our national debt was about $26 trillion, and the federal budget deficit for 2020 was expected to be an astounding $3.8 trillion.

We oppose. Many programs within this defense-related minibus are unconstitutional. This bill also is fiscally irresponsible, considering the $26 trillion national debt and projected $3.8 trillion budget deficit.

We oppose. Congress is failing to address its fiscally- and constitutionally-irresponsible budgeting and appropriating process that is yielding annual federal deficits of about $1 trillion. This directly contributes to the national debt’s growth.

We oppose. Spending must be brought under control, and deficits must be eliminated to avoid fiscal disaster — not “down the road,” but now. Additionally, much of the bill’s spending is unconstitutional.

HR 2500 Amendment Indefinite Military Detention (Failed 187 to 236 on 7/12/19). Would prohibit indefinite military detention of any person (including Americans). Indefinite detention without trial violates habeas corpus.

We oppose. The federal government has no constitutional authority to rebuild areas stricken by natural disasters. Such activity should be undertaken by private companies and charities first, and, as a last resort, handled by local or state governments. Disasters would arguably be handled more effectively this way compared to the feds.

H.R. 5 Equality Act (Passed 236 to 173 on 5/17/19). Expands definition of protected classes in federal law to include “gender identity.” Males who identify as females would be able to use public restrooms of the opposite sex — and vice versa.

H.R. 9 Paris Agreement (Passed 231 to 190 on 5/2/19). Would prohibit the use of federal funds for withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Fulfilling the agreement would stifle U.S. economy without impacting on alleged man-made global warming

We support. Congress is vested with the power to declare war, and it has not authorized any intervention or war in Yemen. Nor should Congress do so since the civil war in Yemen does not threaten the U.S.

HR 8 Firearms Background Checks (Passed 240 to 190 on 2/27/19). Extends federal background checks to private sales, severely and unconstitutionally infringing on the right to keep and bear arms.

We oppose. The Constitution does not authorize Congress to purchase private property except “all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings.”

HJR 31 Consolidated Appropriations (Passed 300 to 128 on 2/14/19). Provides $333 billion in “discretionary” spending for the seven remaining fiscal 2019 appropriations bills. Most of the bill’s spending programs are unconstitutional.

Decisions regarding human interaction with various animal species, if handled by government at all, should be handled at the state and local levels. The U.S. Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to declare animals endangered and thus off-limits to hunt or otherwise manage. The growing gray wolf population has been a menace to farmers and ranchers in many states, and farmers are not allowed to protect their own property owing to federal regulations. Working to overturn such regulations is a good thing.

HR 6760 Tax Cuts (Passed 220 to 191 on 9/28/2018, Roll Call 414). Would make permanent the tax cuts for individuals in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that were set to expire at the end of 2025.

HR 6 Opioid Abuse Prevention and Health Programs (Passed 393 to 8 on 9/28/2018, Roll Call 415). Expands Medicare and Medicaid to cover medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse.

HR 6157 Defense-Labor-HHS-Education and Continuing Appropriations (Adopted 361 to 61 on 9/26/2018, Roll Call 405). Would provide $855.1 billion in discretionary funding for fiscal 2019.

HR 302 FAA Reauthorization and Supplemental Disaster Appropriations (Passed 398 to 23 on 9/26/2018, Roll Call 407). Reauthorizes appropriations for the FAA and TSA, as well as $1.7 billion for Hurricane Florence disaster relief. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.

The Constitution does not give the federal government authority to get into the insurance business. Having the federal government as an insurer essentially subsidizes risky behavior, such as building in flood-, fire-, and earthquake-prone areas, and forces the taxpayer to pick up the tab. Insurance policies for natural disasters should be offered by private insurers, with the market setting the rates for such coverage.

This particular excise tax was put in place to help pay for an unconstitutional program — the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare. Repealing part of the funding for such an unconstitutional federal healthcare program is a good thing and should be supported.

HCR 119 Carbon Tax (Adopted 229 to 180 on 7/19/2018, Roll Call 363). Declares that a carbon tax would be "detrimental to American families and businesses" and "not in the best interest of the United States.”

The Constitution does not authorize the federal government to regulate the environment in general, let alone regulate methane emissions that accompany oil and natural gas production, processing, and distribution.

HR 3 Appropriations Cuts (Passed 210 to 206 on 6/7/2018). Would cut nearly $15 billion from previously approved, unspent, and wasteful spending. See U.S. Const., Art. I, Sec. 8.