This resolution, introduced in the Minnesota Senate as S.F. No. 2272, calls on the President and Congress of the United States to uphold and defend federalism as a fundamental principle of the American constitutional system. It argues that preserving the balance of power between the federal and state governments is essential to protecting individual rights and maintaining the integrity of the nation's governance.

The resolution references Executive Order 12612, issued by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, which emphasized the importance of federalism and aimed to limit federal overreach. It also cites a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that identified weaknesses in the enforcement of federalism principles.

Key concerns highlighted in the resolution include: - The erosion of federalism weakens state autonomy, reduces accountability, and leads to excessive centralization of government power. - Federal rules and regulations often encroach on state authority without due consideration for federalism principles. - Ignoring the balance of state and federal power has contributed to trillion-dollar deficits and a national debt exceeding $36 trillion, threatening the economic security of the United States.

To address these issues, the Minnesota Legislature calls on the President of the United States to issue a new Executive Order on Federalism that: 1. Requires federal agencies to conduct federalism assessments when making rules. 2. Establishes mandatory consultation procedures with state governments. 3. Creates enforceable oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with federalism principles. 4. Mandates publication of justifications when federal actions override state authority.

The resolution also urges Congress to use its oversight powers to ensure federal agencies follow these principles and directs the Minnesota Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the President, Vice President, congressional leaders, and Minnesota’s congressional delegation.