The Constitution gives Congress alone the authority to raise government revenues and decide how to spend those dollars. James Madison described this power as “the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.” However, today’s Congress is losing its grip on the power of the purse. Legislators have gradually delegated their power to the executive branch, which already flouts and usurps Congress’ spending authority with increasing impunity. The budget process has devolved into leadership rushing immense spending bills to avoid shutdowns with little consideration for individual members’ needs. Please join AEI for a discussion cohosted with Claremont McKenna College’s Salvatori Center on how Congress can regain control over the nation’s finances and thus fortify representative government.
LIVE Q&A: Submit questions to Elayne.Allen@aei.org or on Twitter with #AEISpendingPower.
Agenda
11:00 AM
Opening remarks:
John C. Fortier, Resident Scholar, AEI
11:05 AM
Discussion
Panelists:
Zachary Courser, Codirector, Claremont McKenna College Policy Lab
Kevin R. Kosar, Resident Scholar, AEI
Philip Wallach, Resident Scholar, AEI
Moderator:
John C. Fortier, Resident Scholar, AEI
11:35 AM
Q&A
12:00 PM
Adjournment
Contact Information
Event: Elayne Allen | Elayne.Allen@aei.org | 202.862.5873
Media: MediaServices@aei.org | 202.862.5829