H.R.es410 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that President Trump must comply with the Foreign Emoluments Clause, by submitting all plans for his jumbo jet gift from Qatar immediately to Congress. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.410 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that President Trump must comply with the Foreign Emoluments Clause regarding a proposed gift of a jumbo jet from Qatar. The resolution calls for the President to submit all plans for the gift to Congress and obtain Congressional consent before accepting it. It cites historical examples of presidents seeking Congressional approval for gifts from foreign states.
Expected Effects
If passed, the resolution would put pressure on President Trump to seek Congressional approval before accepting the aircraft. It could lead to a formal debate and vote on whether the President can accept the gift without violating the Constitution. Ultimately, the resolution aims to ensure transparency and adherence to the Foreign Emoluments Clause.
Potential Benefits
- Upholds the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the Constitution, preventing potential foreign influence.
- Ensures transparency in dealings between the President and foreign governments.
- Reinforces the principle that no one is above the law, including the President.
- Prevents potential national security risks associated with accepting gifts from foreign entities.
- Reaffirms Congress's role in checking the power of the executive branch.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be seen as a politically motivated attack on the President.
- May strain diplomatic relations with Qatar.
- Could delay or prevent the President from acquiring a potentially useful asset for presidential travel.
- May set a precedent for increased Congressional oversight of presidential gifts.
- Could be interpreted as an overreach of Congressional authority.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution directly addresses the Foreign Emoluments Clause (Article I, Section 9, Clause 8) of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits individuals holding office from accepting gifts from foreign states without Congressional consent. The resolution seeks to ensure the President complies with this clause. By requiring Congressional approval, the resolution aligns with the Constitution's intent to prevent foreign influence and corruption.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).