Edward Markey (D-MA)
A resolution denouncing statements by President Donald J. Trump that he may "nationalize," commandeer, or otherwise assume direct control over elections.
A Democratic resolution with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S581-582)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution denounces statements made by President Donald J. Trump regarding the potential nationalization or direct control of elections. It asserts that the Constitution grants primary authority over election times, places, and manners to State legislatures and Congress rather than the President. The resolution rejects proposals to "nationalize the voting" or have the Federal executive branch displace State and local authorities. It further maintains that any unilateral attempt by the President to control Federal elections would be illegal and unconstitutional. Finally, the Senate expresses concern that such advocacy undermines federalism and the rule of law.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +7
Does this leave more decisions to the states?
The resolution specifically defends the authority of State legislatures to oversee the times, places, and manner of elections.
- Scored +5
Does this make elections run better?
The resolution aims to preserve the integrity of the democratic process by upholding constitutional separation of powers.
- Scored +5
Does this protect the right to vote?
The resolution protects the established constitutional process of election administration from executive interference.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Does this give the federal government more power?
The resolution rejects the expansion of the Federal executive branch's power over the electoral process.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Constitutional Order: The resolution affirms that the Constitution entrusts the administration of Federal elections to State and local authorities and Congress, rather than the President (Resolution Section 1).
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Preservation of Democratic Integrity: By rejecting the idea that the President can "nationalize" or "commandeer" elections, the resolution seeks to preserve the constitutional allocation of powers, which it states is essential to the integrity of the Republic and public confidence in democratic self-government (Resolution Whereas clauses).
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Establishment of Accountability: The resolution maintains that any attempt to unconstitutionally infringe on the prerogatives of the States or the laws enacted by Congress would constitute grounds for impeachment and removal from office (Resolution Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are identified within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The resolution specifically defends the authority of State legislatures to oversee the times, places, and manner of elections. Does this make elections run better? — The resolution aims to preserve the integrity of the democratic process by upholding constitutional separation of powers. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution seeks to maintain public trust in democratic self-government by upholding the rule of law. Does this give the federal government more power? — The resolution rejects the expansion of the Federal executive branch's power over the electoral process.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the right to vote? — The resolution protects the established constitutional process of election administration from executive interference. Does this make casting a ballot easier in practice? — By defending state-led election administration, the resolution seeks to maintain existing local access to the ballot.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in cities be better off under this? — The resolution supports the continuity of local and state-level electoral governance.
- 2/11/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S581-582)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California