Congress, over years, has become second-class branch [View all]

By Charlie Hunt / For The Conversation

Republicans in Congress have been making behind-the-scenes efforts to pass major domestic legislation via the federal budget process. They include potential cuts to Medicaid and extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts.

But even though it’s Congress’ job to pass a budget and set tax policy, most media outlets have been content to frame key elements of the legislation as being driven not by Congress but by the president.

So the news media say that the purpose of the bill is to “deliver Trump’s policy agenda” or to pass the “Trump tax cuts.” Many have even adopted President Trump’s trademark name for the legislation: his “big, beautiful bill.”

Along with Casey Burgat and SoRelle Wyckoff Gaynor, I am co-author of a textbook titled “Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch.” In that book, it was important to us to highlight Congress’ clear role as the preeminent lawmaking body in the federal government.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/comment-congress-over-years-has-become-second-class-branch/