House Democrat vows to remove Trump from ballot following SCOTUS ruling
Reviving Legislation to Prevent Insurrectionists from Running for President
In the aftermath of Monday’s landmark Supreme Court ruling, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) is determined to take action. He vows to “revive legislation” that would bar anyone guilty of participating in an ”insurrection” from ever running for president.
The ruling came as a response to three states — Colorado, Maine, and Illinois — declaring former President Donald Trump ineligible for primary ballots. They cited Section 3 (the insurrection clause) of the 14th Amendment as grounds for their decision.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision stated, “States have no power under the Constitution to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, especially the Presidency.” However, it left the door open for Congress to use legislation to enforce Section 3. Raskin wasted no time in declaring his intent to do just that.
Watch the Announcement:
Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin immediately goes on CNN to announce he and Eric Swalwell are working to “revive legislation” to force President Trump off the ballot pic.twitter.com/QcYhBQn0JK
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 4, 2024
Raskin explained his position during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash. He emphasized, “Section 3 of the 14th Amendment clearly states that anyone who has sworn an oath of office, including not just the president but also members of Congress and other federal officeholders, cannot serve again if they engage in insurrection or rebellion. By swearing to uphold the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic, they disqualify themselves.” Raskin firmly believes that Donald Trump falls under this disqualification.
Collaborating with colleagues such as Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Eric Swalwell, Raskin is determined to revive legislation that establishes a process for disqualifying individuals who have committed insurrection under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
Raskin acknowledged the previous impeachment of Donald Trump by the House of Representatives for his involvement in the insurrection. He stated, “The House has already pronounced upon that, and there was also a 57 to 43 vote in the Senate.” Despite the Senate’s failure to convict Trump on that charge and the absence of any other court trials, Raskin remains resolute in his pursuit.
However, the question remains whether Speaker Mike Johnson would allow the legislation to be brought to the floor of the House. Raskin’s determination to prevent insurrectionists from running for president is unwavering.
How does Section 3 of the 14th Amendment provide a potential tool to prevent insurrectionists from seeking the highest office in the land?
Claring his intention to do just that.
Rep. Jamie Raskin’s determination to revive legislation to prevent insurrectionists from running for president is a response to the events that unfolded on January 6th, 2021, when a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol. The insurrection, incited by then-President Donald Trump, shook the very foundation of our democracy and threatened the peaceful transition of power.
The 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1868, includes Section 3, which states that no person shall hold any office if they have engaged in insurrection against the United States or aided its enemies. This important clause was intended to ensure that those who actively sought to undermine the principles of our nation would be barred from positions of power.
However, until now, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has largely been overlooked as a tool to prevent insurrectionists from running for the highest office in the land. The recent actions by the states of Colorado, Maine, and Illinois, in declaring Donald Trump ineligible for their primary ballots, highlighted the potential use of Section 3 for this purpose.
The Supreme Court’s ruling, while stating that states have no power to enforce Section 3 with respect to federal offices, including the presidency, left the door open for Congress to take action. It is in this context that Rep. Jamie Raskin stands ready to revive legislation that would close this loophole and ensure that those responsible for inciting or engaging in insurrection face consequences.
The proposed legislation would build on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and establish a clear process for determining who should be disqualified from seeking the presidency. It would require a thorough investigation into any individuals involved in insurrectionist activities and provide a legal framework to prevent them from running for office. Moreover, it would send a powerful message to future generations that our democracy does not tolerate those who seek to undermine it.
Reviving this legislation is a crucial step in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy and preventing the dangerous precedent set by the events of January 6th, 2021. It is vital that we hold those responsible for attempting to overturn the will of the people accountable for their actions.
While some may argue that such legislation would infringe upon the rights of individuals, it is important to remember that no right is absolute. Just as there are limitations on freedom of speech to prevent harm, there must also be limitations on the right to seek the highest office in the land when such individuals have actively engaged in insurrection.
As Rep. Jamie Raskin rightly stated, this legislation is not about one individual or one political party. It is about safeguarding the principles on which our nation was built and preventing the rise of future insurrectionists. It is about ensuring that those who seek to lead our country are committed to upholding the values of democracy and the rule of law.
If this legislation is successfully revived and enacted, it would serve as a powerful reminder that the actions of insurrectionists have consequences. It would send a clear signal to those who might be tempted to follow in the footsteps of those who sought to undermine our democracy that their path will lead to disqualification from seeking the highest office in the land.
Reviving legislation to prevent insurrectionists from running for president is not a partisan issue; it is a matter of protecting the very foundation of our democracy. It is about ensuring that those who have fueled division and sought to undermine our democratic institutions are held accountable for their actions. It is a necessary step towards healing the wounds inflicted by the events of January 6th, 2021, and reestablishing the trust and faith of the American people in their government.
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