John Shadegg’s Most Excellent Parting Gift

Retiring Congressman John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) must be feeling a little like Moses this week. Like Moses, Shadegg led his troops through the wilderness for years but won’t see the Promised Land with them.

I’m referring to the Enumerated Powers Act, a bill Shadegg has introduced every session of Congress since he was elected in 1994 that would require that every bill introduced include a statement citing the constitutional authority allowing the bill to be enacted into law by Congress.

While the Enumerated Powers Act was never passed, when Republicans take over the House of Representatives on Wednesday – sans Shadegg – they will adopt and implement Shadegg’s requirement as a House Rule. What better retirement gift, eh?