Quote:
Originally Posted by Rockin' Flames
The Constitution assigns only limited, enumerated powers to Congress and none, including the power to regulate interstate commerce or to impose taxes, would support a federal mandate requiring anyone who is otherwise without health insurance to buy it.
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Sorry, but that's just nonsense. Congress does all kinds of things not specifically referenced in the Constitution. The power to investigate is just one example--you might remember a fellow named McCarthy who took full advantage of that. It's pretty noncontroversial that Congress has the authority to run investigations and compel testimony and co-operation on matters relating to federal governance. Of course, they also sometimes do it with baseball, so it's a pretty broad power.
Congress also has broad regulatory powers beyond "interstate commerce," which is really a pretty narrow band of regulations. Think of it this way: if they can make us pay tax, and they can make us pay more tax if we don't buy a house--then they can also make us pay more tax if we don't get health insurance. This really isn't even all that controversial.