WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, expressed disappointment at the House Majority’s decisions to prevent his amendments that would have prohibited certain federal spending at businesses owned by President Trump from receiving a floor vote. He released the following statement:
“Today, a federal judge heard oral arguments in a case in which I’m a plaintiff in an effort to stop President Trump from violating the U.S. Constitution’s anti-corruption provision that prohibits him from personally profiting from his high office. At virtually the same time, the House Majority refused to allow the House to vote on my amendments to prohibit federal government spending at Trump’s businesses and resorts.
“As Members of Congress we swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That Constitution clearly prohibits the kind of corrupt, self-profiting behavior in which the President continues to engage. I am saddened to see Congress failing to live up to its most sacred responsibility.”
Congressman Cohen’s amendments would have prohibited federal funds covered by the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bills from being spent at business owned by President Trump. The Congressman vowed to keep offering amendments to prohibit federal funds covered by other appropriations bills from being spent at businesses owned by President Trump.
Earlier today, a U.S. District Court judge heard oral arguments in in a lawsuit seeking to enforce the U.S. Constitution’s foreign emolument clause, which prohibits presidents from receiving funds or other gifts from foreign governments without Congressional approval.
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