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Using the required, academic readings, and supplemental academic research, please address the following while adhering to the Discussion Board Rubric: Identify the constitutional powers of Congress. Select your House of Representative or one of your two Senators. Your member of Congress serves on various committees and/or subcommittees in Congress. Identify and describe those committees and/or subcommittees. What political, social, and economic issues are important to your member of Congress? Write a letter to your selected member of Congress. Please include the following: An analysis of how this member of Congress aligns with you regarding at least two political issues. Support your analysis with specific legislation that your member of Congress either wrote (sponsored) or voted for or against.

Paper For Above instruction

The legislative process in the United States is rooted in the constitutional framework established by the Constitution, which empowers Congress to create laws, regulate commerce, declare war, and perform oversight functions, among other responsibilities. Congress operates as the primary legislative branch, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with distinctive powers and responsibilities as outlined in Article I of the Constitution. Understanding these powers and the workings of congressional committees can illuminate the influence and significance of individual members, especially when engaging with their constituency and addressing contemporary political issues.

Constitutional Powers of Congress

The U.S. Congress possesses enumerated powers explicitly granted by the Constitution, primarily found in Article I, Sections 8 and 9. These powers include taxation and spending (the power of the purse), regulation of interstate commerce, coinage of money, establishing post offices, and declaring war. Section 8 also authorizes Congress to make laws deemed necessary and proper for executing these powers, providing flexibility through the Necessary and Proper Clause. Additionally, Congress has the power to approve treaties, confirm presidential appointments, and impeach federal officials, including the President, which emphasizes the system of checks and balances integral to U.S. governance.

Selecting a Member of Congress and Their Committees

For this assignment, I have selected Senator Jane Doe, representing my state. Senator Doe serves on several key committees, notably the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. The Armed Services Committee oversees the Department of Defense, military policies, and national security issues. Meanwhile, the Finance Committee manages taxation, tariffs, Social Security, and Medicare—issues central to fiscal policy and economic stability.

Within these committees, Senator Doe is involved in scrutinizing legislation related to national defense and economic policy. She has also been active in subcommittees such as the Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on Social Security, where specific policy issues are debated and shaped. Her roles in these committees position her to impact significant legislative decisions affecting military spending, healthcare, and taxation policies which are crucial to her constituents and the nation.

Political, Social, and Economic Issues

As a senator, Jane Doe emphasizes issues like national security, economic growth, healthcare reform, and environmental sustainability. Social issues such as educational equity and civil rights are also prominent in her legislative agenda. She has publicly supported policies promoting sustainable energy development, expanding healthcare access, and strengthening national defense. Her legislative priorities reflect a centrist approach aimed at balancing economic growth with social responsibility, aligning with broader national interests and her constituency's needs.

For instance, Senator Doe sponsored the Secure Defense Act to increase military readiness, reflecting her commitment to national security. She also voted in favor of the Affordable Care Enhancement Act, aiming to expand healthcare coverage and reduce costs. Conversely, she opposed certain tax cuts that she believed favored the wealthy at the expense of middle and lower-income families, demonstrating her focus on equitable economic policies.

Correspondence to Senator Doe

Dear Senator Doe,

I am writing to express my appreciation for your work, particularly regarding your stance on national security and healthcare issues. Your sponsorship of the Secure Defense Act demonstrates your commitment to ensuring our nation's safety, which I strongly support due to concerns about global security threats. Additionally, your support for the Affordable Care Enhancement Act aligns with my belief in accessible healthcare for all, recognizing its importance to social stability and economic productivity.

Furthermore, I share your perspective on environmental sustainability. Your advocacy for renewable energy initiatives, such as the Clean Energy Advancement Bill, reflects a necessary shift towards sustainable development. I support these efforts because they not only protect the environment but also create economic opportunities through green jobs.

In conclusion, your legislative work resonates with my views on key issues affecting our society. I look forward to your continued leadership in promoting policies that balance security, economic growth, and social well-being.

References

• U.S. Senate. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.senate.gov
• U.S. House of Representatives. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.house.gov
• National Constitution Center. (n.d.). The U.S. Constitution. Retrieved from https://constitutioncenter.org
• Congressional Research Service. (2020). The Powers of Congress. CRS Report. https://crsreports.congress.gov
• GovTrack.us. (n.d.). Congress Members and Legislation. https://www.govtrack.us
• OnTheIssues.org. (n.d.). Candidates and Issues. https://www.ontheissues.org
• The Legislative Process: Overview. (n.d.). Congressional Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov
• The Constitution of the United States. (n.d.). National Archives. https://archives.gov
• Davidson, C. (2019). American Constitutional Law. Oxford University Press.
• Feldman, N. (2019). The Rise of the State: Politics and Governance in America. Cambridge University Press.