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Austin, Texas — The Travis County Republican Liberty Caucus (TCRLC) voted on Monday to support the passage of HCR 50. This Texas House resolution notifies the Federal government that Texans will not stand for the usurpation of individual liberties and State powers. Over 20 other States are currently undertaking similar efforts to invoke the 10th amendment of the US Constitution.

The Federal government is a creation of the States and the people of the States. It has only the powers granted it in the US Constitution. Under the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution, all powers not delegated to the Federal government are reserved to the States or the people. Over time, the Federal government has unconstitutionally increased its power over the States and the people. As such, States may seek to withdraw from the Federal union when the Federal government unconstitutionally and persistently infringes the right of local self-governance.

Bryan Martin, board member of the TCRLC, said “Time after time the Federal government takes our tax dollars and unconstitutionally uses them to coerce State action. This run around our guaranteed republican form of government is a travesty. Federal bailout money is being used to destroy States’ autonomy and responsibility. For example, to get certain unemployment funds, States are mandated to increase their coverage for part-time workers. Also, fiscally irresponsible States are getting proportionally more federal bailout funds. Why should Texans pay for California’s mistakes?”

HCR 50 was introduced Tuesday, February 17 by Representatives Brandon Creighton, Bryan Hughes, and Leo Berman. The TCRLC commends these Texans and the resolution’s cosponsors for their stand to protect individual liberties and State autonomy.