A resolution commending and congratulating the Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions men's wrestling team for winning the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I National Championship.

This resolution is a mere expression of sentiment, not a law binding upon the people or the states. The Constitution vests Congress only with enumerated legislative powers, yet a resolution of commendation does not exercise any coercive authority; it is a formal utterance akin to a speech by a member. Each House is empowered to determine the rules of its proceedings and to conduct its own internal affairs, which includes adopting resolutions that do not carry the force of law. Such resolutions neither appropriate funds nor regulate conduct, and thus they fall outside the scope of the enumerate…

This resolution is a mere expression of sentiment, not an act of legislation with the force of law. It neither imposes obligations nor restricts liberties, and thus does not exceed the enumerated powers of Congress. The Constitution grants Congress the authority to conduct its own proceedings and to pass resolutions, and nothing in this measure infringes upon the rights of the states or the people. While I would caution against the excessive use of federal time for such commendations, the action is within the bounds of the Constitution.

This resolution, while commendable in its intent, exceeds the limited and enumerated powers of the federal government as established by the Constitution. The Constitution grants Congress only those powers specifically listed in Article I, Section 8, and no provision therein authorizes the issuance of resolutions commending private or state athletic teams. Such matters are properly left to the states or to civil society, as the Tenth Amendment reserves to the states or to the people all powers not delegated to the United States. Furthermore, the resolution's referral to the Committee on Commerc…

The resolution is a non-binding expression of congressional sentiment, not a law. It does not purport to impose any legal obligation or authorize any expenditure. The Constitution does not prohibit Congress from adopting such resolutions as part of its internal proceedings. The Speech or Debate Clause (Article I, Section 6, Clause 1) protects legislative speech, and the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) permits actions incidental to the legislative function, such as expressing commendation. As Marbury v. Madison instructs, the judiciary's role is limited to cases an…