[HR59 adds the additional stricter clause]: Appropriated funds may not be used to pay for any salaries or expenses of any task force, council, policy office within the Executive Office of the President, or similar office that is established by the direction of the President; and the head of which is a Czar.
Source: HCR3&HR59 11-HR059 on Jan 5, 2011
Require defining constitutional authority for every new law.
Blackburn co-sponsored Enumerated Powers Act
Congressional Summary: Requires each Act of Congress to contain a concise and definite statement of the constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act. Declares that failure to comply with this requirement shall give rise to a point of order in either chamber of Congress.
Constitutional Authority for This Act- This Act is enacted pursuant to the power granted Congress under article I, section 8, clause 18, of the United States Constitution and the power granted to each House of Congress under article I, section 5, clause 2, of the United States Constitution.
Source: H.R.125 11-HR125 on Jan 5, 2011
No recess appointments without Congressional approval.
Blackburn co-sponsored Resolution against Presidential appointments
Congressional Summary: Resolution Disapproving of the President`s appointment of four officers during a period when no recess of the Congress for a period of more than three days and expressing that those appointments were made in violation of the Constitution.
Text of Resolution:
- Whereas the Constitution states, `Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days`;
- Whereas, on January 4, 2012, President Barack Obama appointed Richard Cordray to be the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection and appointed Sharon Block, Terence Flynn, and Richard Griffin to the National Labor Relations Board; and
- Whereas these appointments broke the long-established precedent of Congress being in recess for more than three days before the President can make a recess appointment:
-
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives disapproves of the President`s appointment of four officers when no recess of the Congress for a period of more than three days was authorized.
OnTheIssues Notes:Pres. Obama attempted to appoint Elizabeth Warren to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in May 2011; House Republicans disapproved of Ms. Warren. House Speaker John Boehner disallowed the Senate`s adjournment resolution, which meant the Senate was legally not adjourned and Pres. Obama could not make a `recess appointment` which would otherwise be allowed. This Resolution brings the issue to the fore again, for another set of Obama appointments for which House Republicans disapprove.
Source: H.RES.509 12-HR509 on Jan 10, 2012
Prohibit IRS audits targeting Tea Party political groups.
Blackburn co-sponsored Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act
Congressional summary:: Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act: Requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) standards and definitions in effect on January 1, 2010, for determining whether an organization qualifies for tax-exempt status as an organization operated exclusively for social welfare to apply to such determinations after enactment of this Act. Prohibits any regulation, or other ruling, not limited to a particular taxpayer relating to such standards and definitions.
Proponent`s argument in favor (Heritage Action, Feb. 26, 2014): H.R. 3865 comes in the wake of an attack on the Tea Party and other conservative organizations. The current IRS regulation is so broad and ill-defined that the IRS applies a `facts and circumstances` test to determine what constitutes `political activity` by an organization. This test can vary greatly depending on the subjective views of the particular IRS bureaucrat applying the test.
IRS employees took advantage of this vague and subjective standard to unfairly delay granting tax-exempt status to Tea Party organizations and subject them to unreasonable scrutiny.
Text of sample IRS letter to Tea Party organizations:We need more information before we can complete our consideration of your application for exemption. Please provide the information requested on the enclosed Information Request by the response due date. Your response must be signed by an authorized person or officer whose name is listed on your application.
- Have you conducted or will you conduct candidate forums or other events at which candidates running for public offices are invited to speak?
- Have you attempted or will you attempt to influence the outcome of specific legislation?
- Do you directly or indirectly communicate with members of legislative bodies?
- Do you have a close relationship with any candidate for public office or political party?
Source: H.R.3865 & S.2011 14-H3865 on Jan 14, 2014
CC:Appoint strict Constitutionalist judges.
Blackburn supports the CC survey question on judicial constitutionalism
The Christian Coalition Voter Guide inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Appointing Judges Who Will Adhere to a Strict Interpretation of the Constitution'
Christian Coalition's self-description: "Christian Voter Guide is a clearing-house for traditional, pro-family voter guides. We do not create voter guides, nor do we interview or endorse candidates."
Source: Christian Coalition Surve 18CC-1a on Jul 1, 2018
Require all laws to cite Constitutional authorization.
Blackburn signed Enumerated Powers Act
A bill to require Congress to specify the source of authority under the United States Constitution for the enactment of laws.
Each Act of Congress shall contain a concise explanation of the specific constitutional authority relied upon for the enactment of each portion of that Act. The failure to comply with this section shall give rise to a point of order in either House of Congress. The availability of this point of order does not affect any other available relief.
Constitutional Authority for This Act: This Act proposes to establish new procedures by which legislation shall be considered by Congress and is enacted pursuant to the power granted Congress under article I, section 5, clause 2, of the United States Constitution establishing that each House may determine the rules of its proceedings.
Source: S.1319&HR450 2009-S1319 on Jun 22, 2009
Repeal automatic Congressional pay raises.
Blackburn signed Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act
A bill to prevent Members of Congress from receiving any automatic pay adjustment in 2010.
For purposes of the provision of law amended by section 704(a)(2)(B) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (5 U.S.C. 5318 note), no adjustment under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered to have taken effect in fiscal year 2010 in the rates of pay under the General Schedule.
Source: S.542&HR.156 2009-S542 on Jan 6, 2009
President Trump not guilty of inciting insurrection.
Blackburn voted NAY removing President Trump from office for inciting insurrection
GovTrack.us summary of H.Res.24: Article of Impeachment Against Former President Donald John Trump:
The House impeached President Trump for the second time, charging him with incitement of insurrection. The impeachment resolution accused the President of inciting the violent riot that occurred on January 6, when his supporters invaded the United States Capitol injuring and killing Capitol Police and endangering the safety of members of Congress. It cites statements from President Trump to the rioters such as `if you don`t fight like hell you`re not going to have a country anymore,` as well as persistent lies that he won the 2020 Presidential election.
Legislative Outcome:
Bill introduced Jan 11, 2021, with 217 co-sponsors; House rollcall vote #117 passed 232-197-4 on Jan. 13th (a YES vote in the House was to impeach President Trump for inciting insurrection); Senate rollcall vote #59 rejected 57-43-0 on Feb. 13th (2/3 required in Senate to pass; a YES vote in the Senate would have found President Trump guilty, but since he had already left office at that time, a guilty verdict would have barred Trump from running for President in the future)
Source: Congressional vote 21-HR24S on Jan 11, 2021
Voted NO on two articles of impeachment against Trump.
Blackburn voted NAY Impeachment of President Trump
RESOLUTION: Impeaching Donald Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors.
ARTICLE I: ABUSE OF POWER: Using the powers of his high office, Pres. Trump solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, in the 2020 US Presidential election. He did so through a course of conduct that included- Pres. Trump--acting both directly and through his agents--corruptly solicited the Government of Ukraine to publicly announce investigations into a political opponent, former Vice President Joseph Biden; and a discredited theory promoted by Russia alleging that Ukraine--rather than Russia--interfered in the 2016 US Presidential election.
- With the same corrupt motives, Pres. Trump conditioned two official acts on the public announcements that he had requested: (A) the release of $391 million that Congress had appropriated for the purpose of providing vital military and security assistance to Ukraine to oppose Russian aggression; and (B) a head of state meeting at the White House,
which the President of Ukraine sought.
- Faced with the public revelation of his actions, Pres. Trump ultimately released the [funds] to the Government of Ukraine, but has persisted in openly soliciting Ukraine to undertake investigations for his personal political benefit.
These actions were consistent with Pres. Trump`s previous invitations of foreign interference in US elections.ARTICLE II: OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS:- Pres. Trump defied a lawful subpoena by withholding the production of documents sought [by Congress];
- defied lawful subpoenas [for] the production of documents and records;
- and directed current and former Executive Branch officials not to cooperate with the Committees.
These actions were consistent with Pres. Trump`s previous efforts to undermine US Government investigations into foreign interference in US elections.
Source: Congressional vote ImpeachK on Dec 18, 2019
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Other governors on Government Reform: |
Marsha Blackburn on other issues: |
TN Gubernatorial:
Carnita Atwater
Jason Martin
JB Smiley
TN Senatorial:
Gloria Johnson
James Mackler
Lamar Alexander
Larry Crim
Manny Sethi
Marquita Bradshaw
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Mayoral/Gubernatorial races 2025 (seated Jan. 2026):
- NJ Governor:
 Mikie Sherrill (D), U.S. Rep. NJ-11.
vs.Jack Ciattarelli (R), State Assemblyman (2011-2018).
- NYC Mayor:
Zohran Mamdani (D), New York State Assembly, 2021-2025.
vs.Andrew Cuomo (I), former governor of New York, 2011-2021.
vs.Curtis Sliwa (R), CEO of the Guardian Angels.
- VA Governor:
Abigail Spanberger (D), U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024).
vs.Winsome Earle-Sears (R), Lt. Gov. 2022-2026.
Gubernatorial races 2026:
- AK: Mike Dunleavy(R,term-limited)
vs.Click Bishop(R)
vs.Nancy Dahlstrom(R)
vs.Tom Begich(D)
- AL: Kay Ivey(R,term-limited)
vs.Doug Jones(D)
vs.Tommy Tuberville(R)
vs.Will Boyd(D)
vs.Yolanda Flowers(D)
- AR: Sarah Huckabee Sanders(R,for re-election)
vs.Fredrick Love(D)
- AZ: Katie Hobbs(D,for re-election)
vs.Andy Biggs(R)
vs.David Schweikert(R)
vs.Karrin Taylor Robson(R)
- CA: Gavin Newsom(D,term-limited)
vs.Antonio Villaraigosa(D)
vs.Eleni Kounalakis(D,Withdrew to run for state treasurer)
vs.Eric Swalwell(D)
vs.Tom Steyer(D)
vs.Xavier Becerra(D)
vs.Zoltan Istvan(L)
- CO: Jared Polis(D,term-limited)
vs.Greg Lopez(R)
vs.Michael Bennet(D)
vs.Phil Weiser(D)
- CT: Ned Lamont(D,for re-election)
vs.Ryan Fazio(R)
vs.Jen Tooker(R,withdrew)
- FL: Ron DeSantis(R,term-limited)
vs.Byron Donalds(R)
vs.David Jolly(R)
vs.Jason Pizzo(I)
vs.Jerry Demings(D)
- GA: Brian Kemp(R,term-limited)
vs.Brad Raffensperger(R)
vs.Chris Carr(R)
vs.Keisha Lance Bottoms(D)
- HI: Josh Green(D,(No opponent yet))
- IA: Kim Reynolds(R,retiring)
vs.Brad Sherman (IA)(R)
vs.Randy Feenstra(R)
vs.Rob Sand(D)
- ID: Brad Little(R,for re-election)
vs.Terri Pickens(D)
- IL: J.B. Pritzker(D,for re-election)
vs.Darren Bailey(R)
- KS: Laura Kelly(D,term-limited)
vs.Cindy Holscher(D)
vs.Jeff Colyer(R)
vs.Ty Masterson(R)
vs.Vicki Schmidt(R)
- MA: Maura Healey(D,for re-election)
vs.Mike Kennealy(R)
- MD: Wes Moore(D,for re-election)
vs.Dan Cox(R)
vs.Christopher Bouchat(R)
- ME: Janet Mills(D,term-limited)
vs.Shenna Bellows(D)
vs.Ed Crockett(I)
vs.Robert Charles(R)
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Gubernatorial races 2026:
- MI: Gretchen Whitmer(D,term-limited)
vs.Aric Nesbitt(R)
vs.Perry Johnson(R)
vs.Jocelyn Benson(D)
vs.John James(R)
vs.Mike Cox(R)
vs.Tom Leonard(R)
vs.Mike Duggan(I)
vs.Garlin Gilchrist(D,withdrew)
- MN: Tim Walz(D,retiring)
vs.Jeff Johnson 2026(R)
vs.Lisa Demuth(R)
vs.Mike Lindell(R)
vs.Scott Jensen(R)
vs.Amy Klobuchar(D)
- NE: Jim Pillen(R,for re-election)
vs.Lynne Walz(D)
- NH: Kelly Ayotte(R,for re-election)
vs.Jon Kiper(D)
- NM: Michelle Lujan-Grisham(D,term-limited)
vs.Deb Haaland(D)
vs.Gregg Hull(R)
vs.Steve Lanier(R)
- NV: Aaron Ford(D,)
vs.Joe Lombardo(R)
- NY: Kathy Hochul(D,for re-election)
vs.Antonio Delgado(D)
vs.Bruce Blakeman(R)
vs.Larry Sharpe(L)
vs.Elise Stefanik(R,withdrew)
- OH: Mike DeWine(R,term-limited)
vs.Vivek Ramaswamy(R)
vs.Amy Acton(D)
vs.Jon Husted(R,withdrew)
- OK: Kevin Stitt(R,term-limited)
vs.Charles McCall(R)
vs.Cyndi Munson(D)
vs.Jake Merrick(R)
- OR: Tina Kotek(D,for re-election)
vs.Christine Drazan(R)
- PA: Josh Shapiro(D,for re-election)
vs.Ken Krawchuk(L)
vs.Stacy Garrity(R)
- RI: Dan McKee(D,for re-election)
vs.Helena Foulkes(D)
vs.Aaron Guckian(R)
- SC: Henry McMaster(R,term-limited)
vs.Jermaine Johnson(D)
vs.Nancy Mace(R)
vs.Ralph Norman(R)
- SD: Larry Rhoden(R,for re-election)
vs.Dusty Johnson(R)
vs.Jon Hansen(R)
vs.Marty Jackley(R,withdrew)
- TN: Bill Lee(R,term-limited)
vs.Marsha Blackburn(R)
vs.Carnita Atwater(D)
- TX: Greg Abbott(R,for re-election)
vs.Chris Bell(D)
vs.Gina Hinojosa(D)
- VT: Phil Scott(R,(No opponent yet))
- WA: Jay Inslee(D,for re-election)
vs.Bob Ferguson(D)
- WI: Tony Evers(D,retiring)
vs.Mandela Barnes(D)
vs.Sara Rodriguez(D)
vs.Kelda Roys(D)
vs.Francesca Hong(D)
vs.Tom Tiffany(R)
- WY: Mark Gordon(R,term-limited)
vs.Eric Barlow(R)
vs.Megan Degenfelder(R)
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