Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, revealed on Monday that he and fellow lawmakers are collaborating on new legislation aimed at preventing individuals who have engaged in insurrection from holding public office.
Raskin disclosed this initiative following a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court, which ruled that former President Donald Trump should be included on the primary ballots of states challenging his candidacy for the presidency.
“In conjunction with several colleagues, including Democratic Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Eric Swalwell, we are actively working on reviving legislation… to establish a procedure for disqualifying individuals under Section Three of the 14th Amendment,” Raskin explained during an appearance on CNN.
The controversy surrounding Trump’s eligibility stems from the 14th Amendment’s clause, which prohibits individuals who have supported insurrection or rebellion against the Constitution from holding office.
The Supreme Court’s recent 9-0 decision overturned a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court, which sought to exclude Trump from the state’s ballot for his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
The riot, triggered by Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud, resulted in his indictment by the Department of Justice in August. Trump has pleaded not guilty to charges related to his alleged incitement of the violence.
Raskin previously introduced legislation with Wasserman Schultz in 2022, aimed at empowering the Department of Justice to take legal action against insurrectionist candidates.
Reintroducing this legislation would prompt a debate in the House of Representatives regarding Trump’s eligibility based on the 14th Amendment.
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Trump celebrated on his social media platform, hailing it as a “BIG WIN FOR AMERICA!!!”
Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade commented on the court’s ruling, noting that it aligns with the belief that only Congress can enforce Section Three of the 14th Amendment, preventing a patchwork of differing state decisions.
Raskin emphasized the House’s previous actions, including Trump’s impeachment for his role in the insurrection, and highlighted the bipartisan Senate vote as evidence supporting the need for legislative action.
However, Raskin acknowledged that the decision to bring the legislation to the House floor ultimately rests with Speaker Mike Johnson.