Khyl Powell, State Representative | Official Website
Khyl Powell, State Representative | Official Website
The Arizona House of Representatives has passed House Concurrent Resolution (HCR2049), introduced by State Representative Khyl Powell. The resolution reaffirms Arizona's sovereign authority under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Powell said, "The federal government does not have unlimited authority—our Constitution makes that clear." He emphasized that "Arizona has the right to govern itself and to reject any federal actions that exceed constitutional limits." Powell added, "The House has taken a firm stand to ensure our state will not be forced into enforcing unlawful federal mandates."
HCR2049 asserts Arizona's authority to refuse cooperation with unconstitutional federal directives and strengthens the state's position under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments. It acknowledges prior Supreme Court rulings that uphold a state's ability to decline participation in federal programs that overstep constitutional bounds.
In 2014, Arizona voters passed Proposition 122, amending the state constitution to prohibit state personnel and financial resources from enforcing unconstitutional federal actions. HCR2049 builds on this foundation, reinforcing the state's right to self-governance and protection of individual liberties.
The resolution urges the federal government to halt any actions exceeding its constitutional authority and calls for repealing coercive federal laws threatening states with penalties for noncompliance. It also encourages Arizonans to take legal action when necessary to uphold the state's sovereignty.
Once approved by the Senate, copies of the resolution will be sent to the President, congressional leaders, every state legislature in the nation, and Arizona's U.S. congressional delegation.
Khyl Powell is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 14 in Gilbert. He serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Information from this article can be found here.
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