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Ottawa Hills Today
By the People, for the People
Fealty to Constitution is members' 'first duty'
Letter argues Congress must uphold oath to support Constitution over other priorities
Mar. 5, 2026 at 11:21am
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In a letter to the editor, an attorney argues that members of Congress have a fundamental duty to uphold the U.S. Constitution, which supersedes any other priorities or obligations they may have. The letter responds to a previous editorial criticizing members of Congress who did not stand when the President invited them to declare that protecting American citizens, not illegal aliens, is their 'first duty'.
Why it matters
This letter touches on the ongoing debate over the role and responsibilities of elected officials, particularly when it comes to issues like immigration that have become politically divisive. It highlights the tension between upholding the Constitution versus pursuing specific policy agendas, and raises questions about the proper balance between those competing priorities.
The details
The letter writer, an attorney named Richard S. Walinski, argues that the oath of office taken by members of Congress requires them to make supporting the Constitution their 'defining duty' that must guide all of their actions as legislators. He contends that this constitutional duty takes precedence over other concerns, even ones the President may deem important such as protecting American citizens over illegal aliens. Walinski cites the Founders' intent that the oath to support the Constitution be a fundamental obligation for all government officials.
- The letter was published on March 5, 2026.
The players
Richard S. Walinski
An attorney who lives in Ottawa Hills, Ohio and wrote the letter to the editor.
President Trump
The President who invited members of Congress to stand and declare that protecting American citizens is their 'first duty'.
Members of Congress
The elected officials who the letter argues have a fundamental duty to uphold the U.S. Constitution, even if it conflicts with other priorities.
What they’re saying
“If members of Congress had accepted the President's invitation and stood to declare that the protection of 'American citizens, not illegal aliens' is their 'first duty,' they would have violated their oath of office.”
— Richard S. Walinski, Attorney
“The U.S. Constitution identifies it: 'Senators and Representatives ... shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution.'”
— Richard S. Walinski, Attorney
“Upholding the Constitution is, of course, not their only duty. But as the oath one makes before taking on the mantle as a member of Congress, that moral commitment becomes the defining duty that must direct each member's ensuing acts as a legislator.”
— Richard S. Walinski, Attorney
The takeaway
This letter highlights the ongoing tension between upholding the Constitution and pursuing specific policy agendas, and raises important questions about the proper role and responsibilities of elected officials. It underscores the need for government leaders to maintain a steadfast commitment to the founding principles enshrined in the Constitution, even when faced with political pressure to prioritize other concerns.
