Constitutional Debates Ramp Up Over Due Process, Regulation, and ID; Georgia Lawmakers Weigh In

The Constitution has been a trending subject recently as debates over the due process, regulation, and voter ID continue. Several lawmakers from Georgia especially have weighed in. The issues have largely been split along party lines.

First, Rep. Mike Collins (R) took to X to comment on the state of identification in the U.S. This was in response to an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security.

The department announced that REAL identification will be required for U.S. domestic flights as of May 7th, 2025. This is a confusing announcement, given that REAL ID is not required for receiving federal benefits, driving, or voting.

For context, REAL ID is an enhanced form of identification that grants certain benefits. Collins commented on this by pointing out the disparity in requirements.

He stated, “You currently need more identification to fly than you do to vote. One of those has drastic implications on democracy in our country. One gets your family to Disney World. Something has to change.”

Second, Rep. Rich McCormick (R) responded to an article from the New York Times. The article criticised republicans in congress for using an “obscure” law to roll back Biden-era regulations.

The article discusses how republicans have been employing the Congressional Review Act of 1996. The law allows lawmakers to negate recently implemented federal regulations with a majority vote. 

McCormick rebuked the article by stating how republicans are simply reclaiming constitutional authority. According to him, the Constitution explicitly gives congress this kind of power. 

McCormick responded, “It is simply Congress reclaiming its legislative authority from unelected bureaucrats by reviewing the rules they pass. Congress, not bureaucrats, ultimately make laws.” 

Finally, Rep. Hank Johnson (D) took a stand on the congressional floor using the preamble of the Constitution. His focus was on due process, which has been a popular issue since the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Johnson took to X to comment on his presentation. He stated, “As a former defense attorney and judge, I’ve fought, maintained, and administered due process and equal protection under the law. Americans should feel secured in their rights without fear of retribution from Trump’s reign of terror.”