D.C. Republicans are employees, not demigods. We demand answers

Now that America is in the 249th year of our republic, getting ready for the Semiquincentennial celebration next July 4, it is time to consider what kind of a government is forming before our eyes.

Is it a government truly “of the people, by the people, for the people” – or is it now dictum by blunt-force trauma?

What roles will our four Republican representatives in Congress – Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, Reps. Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke – carry out on behalf of Montanans in the next three-and-a-half years? To this point, all four have adhered to the wishes of President Trump – except for the sale of public lands in the West.

How will these four collaborate in the Senate and House to restore the separation of powers envisioned in the Constitution? Do they care about it? Frankly, at this point we don’t know.

Do they want to return the federal “power of the purse strings” to the House in deciding how much money is spent on different government activities and initiating all spending bills? Will the Senate exercise its shared fiscal responsibilities with the House?

And on tariffs: While Congress has delegated certain authorities to the president, the Constitution explicitly grants Congress in Article I, Section 8, the power to “lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises,” placing tariffs squarely within congressional purview. What does our delegation think about the international – and domestic – upheaval caused by Trump’s chaotic approach?

What do our well-educated and gentlemanly representatives think about the level of name-calling from the Oval Office – by historic standards beneath the dignity of the position? And are they supportive of the unfettered actions of retribution against Trump’s perceived enemies?

As Montanans we don’t know because each member of our delegation purposefully chooses not to directly engage us except for carefully arranged and vetted interactions. But these same guys are big players on Fox talk shows and on the “X” platform if you happen to have an account.

It is well known that many Montanans are concerned about the plight of Palestinians caught in devastation reminiscent of World War II, yet our delegation stands with Netanyahu’s government. Are they content have Bebe pound Gaza into oblivion while their only public comment is that they “stand with” him? Again, we don’t know.

Trump said the ongoing immigration roundup would focus on the “worst of the worst,” but ICE data shows 72% of those detained so far have no criminal history. Across the country, we are seeing collateral damage to agriculture, industry, construction, nursing care and the hospitality industry. Might any of our four consider a guest-worker program that would rachet down the national drama and provide workable solutions? Or do they continue to fear the word “amnesty” as a full stop to any discussion?

These are answers we would like to have.

During the upcoming months, we’ll learn the full extent of federal funding hits to Montana on the state budget, education, food and childcare resources, Medicaid as it exists here and the domino effect changes in that program to fall on our rural hospitals. What do our semi-sequestered representatives truly understand about these concerns, or, as it seems, are they just parroting the party line?

May we ask them questions with opportunity for follow-ups?

It is vital for Montanans to also remember that “our guys” are our employees, not demi-gods. When elected each one promised to represent us all – it is our duty to remind them.