Committee approves resolution urging president to issue federalism executive order

The House Transportation Committee voted 8–4 to adopt Senate Joint Resolution 12, which urges the president to issue an executive order requiring federal agencies to conduct federalism assessments, consult states early in rulemaking, and justify actions that may infringe on state authority.

The sponsor framed the resolution as nonpartisan and aimed at reaffirming constitutional limits on federal action. "This is very simple resolution. It calls on the president to issue an executive order reinforcing the principles of federalism, ensuring that states maintain their constitutional authority and are not subject to unnecessary federal overreach," the sponsor said. The resolution also encourages Congress to hold agencies accountable and urges other states to support similar measures.

One online public commenter, Seth Stewart of American Fork, raised objections about the resolution's framing and urged broader emphasis on the people's supremacy and concerns about monetary policy; his remarks were difficult to hear in parts but criticized elements he said were missing from the resolution. The committee's motion to pass the resolution was made by Representative Ivory and carried on a roll call vote: 8 in favor, 4 opposed. The committee recorded the vote by name and the chair ruled the motion passed.

The resolution is advisory and asks for federal action; it does not change state law. It will be transmitted as a formal joint resolution and will not require governor signature when passed as a legislative joint resolution affecting court rules or internal procedure if other procedural requirements are met. The committee did not amend the text during the hearing.