Thought Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.)

"Thought Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) was headed in the right direction; however, the title to the article was deceiving. He really feels Congress has any and all powers to make the American people do whatever the government commands.................read on.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) could not explain what part of the Constitution grants Congress the power to force every American to buy health insurance – as all of the health care overhaul bills currently do.

Leahy, whose committee is responsible for vetting Supreme Court nominees, was asked by CNSNews.com where in the Constitution Congress is specifically granted the authority to require every American purchase health insurance. Leahy answered by saying that “nobody questions” Congress’ authority for such an action.

CNSNews.com: Where, in your opinion, does the Constitution give specific authority for Congress to give an individual mandate for health insurance?

Sen. Leahy: We have plenty of authority. Are you saying there is no authority?

CNSNews.com: I’m asking –

Sen. Leahy: Why would you say there is no authority? I mean, there’s no question there’s authority, nobody questions that.

When CNSNews.com again attempted to ask which provision of the Constitution gives Congress the authority to force Americans to purchase health insurance, Leahy compared the mandate to the government’s ability to set speed limits on interstate highways – before turning and walking away.

CNSNews.com: But, which provision –

Sen. Leahy: Where do we have the authority to set speed limits on an interstate highway? The federal government does that on federal highways."

To read the complete interview click on the link:
http://www.texasinsider.org/?p=17468#more-17468