On February 14, 2025, the 105th anniversary of its founding, the League of Women Voters sent a letter to Congress with grave concern over the state of our nation. The letter was signed by each of the 50 state Leagues, and those of Washington DC, and Puerto Rico representing over 1 million members. The League demanded that Congress honor their oaths of office, protect their constituents, and defend our Constitution’s balance of powers.
The following are excerpts from that letter:
President Trump’s executive orders violate the law and encroach upon the authority of Congress as representatives of the American people. This administration has attempted to:
- End birthright citizenship for all persons born in the United States;
- Pause the distribution of federal funds already allocated to programs by Congress;
- Dismantle federal agencies such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which require notice to and the input of Congress before such actions can be taken;
- Allow private citizens, who have neither been elected or complied with the advice and consent requirement of the Senate, to access sensitive government systems; and
- Attempt to reduce the federal workforce through unorthodox means that deny them due process.
The League is a 105-year-old nonpartisan grassroots organization with over one million members whose mission is to ensure that everyone is represented in our democracy.
So far, we have seen limited action from members of Congress to assert its authority under Article I of the United States Constitution. The outcry by Americans speaking out against the impact of these Executive Orders, including those who voted for President Trump, should be all that is needed for Congress to stand in its authority, legislate on behalf of the American people, and restore stability to the country.
To read the entire LWVUS Letter to Congress, click here.
Our local League wholeheartedly supports these directives. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson and Congressmen Tony Wied and Glenn Grothman must protect our Constitution, the rights of all Americans, and democracy itself. Please contact our elected representatives today and in the weeks ahead. Congress must do its duty to ensure that our great democracy is safeguarded and preserved.