Next Step: Sovereignty Pledge

Lebanon, TN, August 31, 2009 – In response to what many see as a Congress that doesn’t represent their interests, State Legislators in thirty-seven states around the country have introduced resolutions affirming their sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. The next step? State Representative Susan Lynn (R) Lebanon is the first Tennessee legislator that has signed a pledge which promises much more.

“As the sponsor of Tennessee’s State Sovereignty Resolution, I’m happy to set a good example and be the first to sign the pledge promising to uphold state sovereignty.” Said Rep. Lynn.

While supporters have strongly backed sovereignty resolutions, many are wondering what the next step in holding our representatives accountable? According to Michael Boldin, founder of the Tenth Amendment Center, the 10th Amendment Pledge is a promise to do just that.

“Not only does the pledge affirm that it’s The People who are sovereign in the American system,” said Boldin, “but also, legislators who sign it are promising to take the next step – which is to nullify, or render void and inoperative, specific federal laws within the boundaries of this State.”

Nullification efforts have already stopped the Bush-era Real ID Act from being implemented. The Obama administration, recognizing the power of this state-level rebellion recently announced that they were looking to “repeal and replace” the law.

Supporters see this as a blueprint for other laws that they see as unconstitutional. Both Alaska and Tennessee have passed versions of a “The State Sovereignty Resolution”. And, according to the Tenth Amendment Center, as many as ten states will be considering legislation to effectively ban any future national health care plan.

“We must never forget nor cease to remind all that the states created the federal government and designed its powers to have limits.” Said Lynn

About State Representative Susan Lynn

Susan Lynn represents the 57th Legislative District in the Tennessee House of Representatives, serves as chairman of the House Government Operations Committee and sits on the Calendar & Rules and the Commerce Committees as well as the Small Business Sub-Committee.

About the Tenth Amendment Center:

The Tenth Amendment Center, a Los Angeles-based think tank founded in 2006, acts as an educational forum on issues related to the 10th Amendment and Constitutional governance. http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/

State Pledge

As a public office holder I promise that, as long as I hold office:

1. My votes will always be in favor of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this State. Every issue. Every time. No exceptions. No excuses.

2. I do, and will continue to, oppose any and all efforts by the federal government to act beyond its Constitutional authority.

3. I will proactively introduce and support measures designed to adhere to the Tenth Amendment and preserve, to their fullest extent, the powers of the People in my district, and of the legislators and administrations of my State.

4. I will introduce, sponsor and support resolutions affirming the sovereignty of the People of this State under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

5. I will introduce, sponsor, and support legislation that nullifies, within my state, actions of the federal government which exceed its Constitutional authority.

6. I will introduce, sponsor and support legislation that provides such relief as is necessary and proper to provide fair redress to the citizens of my State in response to actions by the federal government which exceeds its Constitutional authority.

7. I will introduce, sponsor and support legislation which refuses federal funding made on condition that my State comply with federal mandates not authorized by the Constitution.

8. I will only vote in favor of a bill that I have thoroughly read, considered and understood.

9. I will be accountable to voters. Upon request, I will make public every vote I cast while in office.

10. I will keep this pledge public, and will provide a link on my website which directs constituents to the text of this pledge.