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Bill

HCR 23

Calls on members of Congress to uphold the principles of federalism

2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Hewkin and 2 co-sponsors

Missouri urges U.S. Congress to respect federalism by limiting federal authority and returning power to states on unspecified policy issues.

Voted Do Pass (S)
#federal-staterelations #generalassembly
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Bill Summary · HCR 23

Legislative bill overview

HCR 23 is a concurrent resolution from Missouri urging members of Congress to adhere to federalist principles—the constitutional framework that divides power between federal and state governments. The bill does not create law but rather expresses the Missouri legislature's position on how federal officials should govern.

Why is this important

Federalism is fundamental to U.S. constitutional structure, but ongoing disputes exist about which level of government should control specific policy areas (healthcare, education, environmental regulation, etc.). This resolution signals Missouri's view that Congress has overreached in certain domains and should return authority to states. Such resolutions can influence state-level political discourse and potentially coordinate with other states on federalism advocacy.

Potential points of contention

  • Vague definition: The resolution doesn't specify which federal actions violate federalism, making it difficult to assess whether the critique applies to policies both parties support or targets one party's initiatives
  • Partisan framing: "Federalism" arguments are frequently deployed selectively—states often invoke it when opposing federal policies they dislike while accepting federal funding and mandates they prefer
  • Practical effect: As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal force and its real impact depends on whether Congress takes the message seriously or whether it primarily serves symbolic purposes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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