Randall Enos / Cagle Cartoons
In the next few weeks, the U.S. Senate may or may not confirm Loretta Lynch as the next Attorney General of the United States. The vote was recently delayed due to pending language in the human trafficking bill, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. Although some argue that it’s an unnecessary delay, I see it as vitally important. I view a vote for Lynch as a vote to aid President Obama’s unconstitutional executive amnesty.
Some critics ask why I feel so passionate about Lynch not being confirmed as Attorney General. For me, this was a clear cut decision based upon the rule of law. Lynch’s record speaks for itself. In her testimony, Lynch seemed to be assisting the left’s radical agenda, specifically when it comes to President Obama’s amnesty order. With the illegal immigration debate at full throttle, citizens are shaking their heads in frustration across the nation. Lynch, untroubled by those frustrations, had no problem speaking out in support of the controversial measure under oath. When Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) asked, “Do you believe the executive action announced by President Obama on November 20th is legal or constitutional?” Lynch responded by saying, “As I’ve read the opinion, I do believe it is.”
The office of Attorney General holds a unique position within our system of government. The Attorney General, more so than any other government official, must protect and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States. In order to effectively fulfill the essential mission of the office, the Attorney General must show a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. Her answers in committee confirmed to me that Ms. Lynch will not defend the rule of law over currying favor with President Obama.
At times, upholding the rule of law may place an Attorney General in the uncomfortable position of being at odds with the President who appointed him or her. We’ve seen throughout history Attorneys General who have stood on principle in the face of Presidents who seek to exceed their constitutional authority. More recently, we’ve unfortunately seen an Attorney General who has served as a mere rubber stamp for an Administration seeking to assert unchecked executive authority.
As the vote nears, we see Americans from coast to coast signing our Citizens United social media petition advising Senators to vote ‘No’ on Loretta Lynch for Attorney General. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) said it best in his Politico article, Stop Loretta Lynch: “Senate Republicans have the power to stop this nomination,” said Senator Cruz. “And we have a choice. We can honor our oaths to the Constitution—we can defend liberty and the rule of law—or we can confirm an Attorney General who has candidly admitted she will impose no limits on the President whatsoever.”
It’s time for the U.S. Senate to reject the Lynch nomination and ask President Obama to submit a new nominee whose paramount concern is the rule of law.
