Internet abuzz as bill requires Biden to submit budget and security plan before State of the Union address

WASHINGTON, DC: In a notable development that could reshape the traditional dynamics surrounding the State of the Union address, Senator Joni Ernst unveiled the "Send Us Budget Materials & International Tactics In Time (SUBMIT IT) Act" on Monday, February 5.

The legislation, if enacted, would introduce a new requirement for President Joe Biden to submit both a budget request and a national security strategy to Congress before being invited to deliver the annual address.

Joni Ernst proposes SUBMIT IT Act

Ernst, a prominent Republican senator from Iowa, minced no words in highlighting the urgency of the matter.

“Well, actions speak louder than words, folks, and Biden’s budget is late once again,” she said in a statement obtained by the New York Post. “If the President is going to be allowed the opportunity to address Congress and the entire nation, he should actually have a plan in place.”

The Constitution reportedly requires the POTUS to “from time to time give to the Congress information of the State of the Union and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.”

Pointing to existing federal laws mandating the submission of these critical documents on the first Monday of February, Ernst argued that adherence to deadlines is not merely a formality but a fundamental aspect of governance.

“At a time when Americans are facing skyrocketing inflation and the world is on fire, we deserve more than just empty rhetoric,” Ernst explained. “After all, President Biden himself has said, ‘Don’t show me what you value, show me your budget.’ He can consider this a one-month warning … the clock is ticking!”

Despite the bill's introduction in the Senate, its prospects face considerable uncertainty in the Democrat-controlled chamber. Critics view it as a partisan maneuver aimed at undermining President Biden's agenda, while supporters argue that it represents a necessary step to hold the Executive Branch accountable.

Rep Buddy Carter echoed Ernst's sentiments, stressing the need for presidential accountability. "The President has a duty to submit an annual budget and National Security Strategy. If the President, regardless of political party, does not get these vital documents to the legislature in a timely manner, then he or she has no business addressing Congress," he said.

"This is a reasonable check on the Executive Branch to ensure that it meets the American people’s needs. With this President consistently ignoring deadlines, it is our duty to hold him accountable," Carter added.

While the White House confirmed President Biden's acceptance of Speaker Johnson's invitation to deliver the State of the Union address on March 7, 2024, the debate surrounding Ernst's proposal continues to reverberate on Capitol Hill.

With Congress grappling with unresolved funding issues for federal operations for the fiscal year ending September 30, the urgency of a proposal like Ernst's cannot be overstated. Lawmakers face imminent deadlines to pass appropriations bills, highlighting the pressing need for timely budget submissions from the administration.

Social Media Reactions

Reactions to the proposal on social media have been varied, reflecting the deep-seated divisions within the electorate. While some applauded the initiative as a necessary check on executive power, others dismissed it as political gamesmanship. 

"I love the idea," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"OMG!! Biden would love that!! He could skip the speech & blame Trump!!" another wrote.

"It would be a win for Biden not to do the address and let everyone see how feeble-minded he is," a comment read.

"The budget doesn't mean bupkis if our country is turned into an open border Asylum...pls get your priorities in order..worry more about that than some virtue signaling bill like this," someone else offered.

"So even if it gets through, which it won't, he gets to veto it and still deliver the speech. What an absolute waste of time," another chimed in.