Constitutionality of the Debt Limit

[Rob Wick]

Steve,

I'm not sure that is a fair reading of Tribe's quote. I don't see him as saying the President can disregard any law, but rather in a narrow situation where the government would collapse without quick action from the executive.

But even for the sake of argument, history is full of Presidents ignoring laws they find inconvenient. A clear example would be the War Powers Act. President after president has done end runs around it in several instances, saying their actions "were consistent with" the act rather than pursuant to it. To be honest, I don't know that a true reading of the act wouldn't find it unconstitutional, but then I'm no Constitutional scholar and I'm sure those who are could tear my argument to shreds.

It seems to me, however, that the Constitution is clear that the debt of the United States cannot be repudiated and that to allow the House to cause the U.S. to default on its obligations is more theater than heart-felt policy differences.

Best
Rob