Federal judge to hear arguments on constitutionality.
Federal Judge Richard Stearns of the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts has set May 31 at 2 p.m. to hear arguments involving the debt limit law, its constitutionality, and whether or not it should be suspended. The hearing comes only hours ahead of when Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says the debt limit must be increased or the nation will default on its obligations.
The case, which is not related to current negotiations, was filed by the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) earlier this month. It alleges that the debt limit issue presents an abuse of the separation of powers clauses of the Constitution and named Secretary Yellen and President Biden as defendants.
In its complaint, NAGE contends that, should an increase not be agreed to, the president would be forced to take over the spending authority that belongs to Congress by deciding the prioritization of spending to one cause or agency over another. This would effectively amount to a line-item veto, something the Supreme Court has previously rejected.
Next week’s hearing will determine whether the law should be suspended while the case moves forward. The Justice Department has been told to file their written response by May 30 clarifying the government’s view on the boundaries of presidential authority regarding public debt.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Judge Stearns as he hears the case regarding the national debt ceiling.
- For the president and house speaker as the default date draws closer and negotiations continue.
- For Secretary Yellen as her department continues to creatively handle the federal finances.
Sources: The Hill, Politico
