The Original Resolution honoring the life, public service, and legacy of the Honorable Congressman Craig Anthony Washington, a distinguished legislator, superior attorney, civil rights advocate, and champion for justice.

This resolution is a ceremonial expression of honor by the House of Representatives for a deceased member. It does not create law, bind the states, or appropriate funds. The Constitution grants each House the power to determine the rules of its proceedings (Article I, Section 5, Clause 2), which includes the authority to pass resolutions of tribute. Such actions are consistent with the legislative prerogative to recognize public service, as the Framers understood that Congress may express sentiments without exceeding its enumerated powers. No constitutional provision prohibits this act, and it…

This resolution is a simple expression of honor and sentiment, well within the legislative powers granted to Congress by the Constitution. It does not infringe upon any individual right or exceed the enumerated powers of the federal government. Such non-binding resolutions are a customary exercise of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment and the legislative authority vested in Congress by Article I.

This resolution is a simple expression of honor by the House of Representatives, pertaining solely to its internal proceedings and the recognition of a former member. Such an action falls within the inherent authority of each House to manage its own affairs, as no law or binding obligation is created. The Constitution explicitly grants each House the power to determine the rules of its proceedings, and this resolution is a routine exercise of that discretion. It does not involve any enumerated power beyond the internal governance of the House, nor does it encroach upon the powers of the other …

The Constitution by Article I, Section 1 vests all legislative Powers herein granted in a Congress of the United States, and Section 5 of the same Article empowers each House to determine the Rules of its Proceedings. The passage of a resolution honoring a former member of the House is a customary exercise of the legislative power to express the sentiments of the body, and is not prohibited by any express constitutional limitation. Such an action neither impairs the rights of any person nor arrogates power beyond the enumerated objects of the Constitution. It is therefore consistent with the c…