During a House Rules Committee hearing, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) condemned a Republican-sponsored bill proposing citizenship questions on the census, asserting its infringement upon the 14th Amendment.
Constitutional Mandate
Raskin argued that the proposed bill, aiming to count only U.S. citizens in the census, contradicts the 14th Amendment’s stipulation to count the “whole number of persons” in each state, underscoring the constitutional protection of all individuals, regardless of citizenship status.
Historical Context
Referencing historical precedents, Raskin highlighted the framers’ deliberate choice to base representation on total population rather than voter eligibility, emphasizing the inclusive nature of constitutional principles.
Legal Precedent
Citing Supreme Court rulings, Raskin reaffirmed that the Constitution mandates counting all residents for congressional apportionment, emphasizing the court’s unanimous stance on upholding total population as the basis for representation.
Constitutional Interpretation
Raskin underscored the importance of adhering to the Constitution’s text and original intent, urging legislators to respect historical context and legal precedents in their policy decisions.
Census Integrity Concerns
Expressing concerns over the potential impact on census accuracy, Raskin warned against measures that could deter participation, citing previous undercounts and emphasizing the census’s critical role in resource allocation.
Federal Funding Implications
Raskin highlighted the far-reaching consequences of an inaccurate census, including the unequal distribution of federal resources, which could disproportionately affect communities in need of vital services.
Opposition to Legislation
Concluding his remarks, Raskin vehemently opposed the bill, characterizing it as a violation of constitutional values and a threat to the integrity of the nation’s democratic process.
A Complex Intersection
Representative Raskin’s critique underscores the complex intersection of constitutional principles, legal precedent, and policy implications in the ongoing debate over census questions, highlighting the importance of upholding fundamental rights while ensuring accurate representation for all residents.
Constitutional Principles
What do you think? How do you believe the balance between constitutional principles and policy objectives should be maintained in the context of census questions? What potential consequences could arise from excluding certain demographic groups from the census count?
Census Accuracy
Do you think there are alternative methods for addressing concerns about census accuracy without resorting to citizenship questions? How might the inclusion of citizenship questions on the census impact the allocation of federal resources and the provision of vital services to communities?
Source: Forbes Breaking News
