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Santa Fe County commissioners adopt resolution urging Congress to reassert constitutional role
Summary
Board adopted a resolution expressing support for Congress as a coequal branch and encouraging the New Mexico delegation to lead colleagues in protecting separation of powers; the resolution cites specific executive actions of concern.
The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners on June 24 adopted a resolution supporting the role of the U.S. Congress as a coequal branch of government and calling on the New Mexico congressional delegation to take leadership to uphold constitutional separation of powers.
Commissioner Hank Hughes introduced the measure and said it was prompted by concerns that actions taken at the federal executive level have bypassed congressional authority. Commissioner Camilla Bustamante and others framed the resolution as bipartisan support for constitutional checks and balances.
The adopted resolution cites a range of concerns described during discussion, including executive actions that the county and other states have challenged in multistate litigation, and singled out actions such as imposition of tariffs, freezing of certain agency funds and changes to federal program administration as examples in the resolution text. Staff indicated the resolution references filings by the New Mexico Attorney General and other multistate litigation raising separation‑of‑powers issues.
Commissioner Kekari Stone and others noted civic education as one response, encouraging schools and civic groups to highlight separation‑of‑powers principles. Commissioner Justin Green described the oath of office commissioners take to defend the Constitution as a motivation for the resolution.
Commissioner Hughes moved and was seconded to adopt the resolution; the board voted in favor. The county assigned a resolution number for the record.
