States say feds whittle into their rights!!

[AGENDA21]

Officials from U.S. states issued a report claiming the federal government has been pre-empting states rights through a series of laws and regulations.

State officials at a Washington news conference Thursday released a report called "Pre-emption Monitor" that said 72 measures being considering by the U.S. Congress would cut into state authority. Those bills include identify cards, the environment, tort reform and immigration.

The officials were attending a National Conference of State Legislatures.

http://www.politicalgateway.com/news/read.html?id=6965

[pocket]

1. that's what George Wallace says!

[BattyDem]

2. But ... that can't be true!

The GOP is in charge and everyone knows that they always support state's rights!

:sarcasm:

[willows]

3. Continue to whittle

Of course, this is an on-going thing. The constitution tries to address it, but 'rules are made to be broken' or rather illegal and legal actions are blurry.

Having the gov. further regulate farm animal laws in order to 'protect national security'.
...

[Dr.Phool]

4. You mean like the right of states to recount their votes?

Like in Gore v Bush?

[jody]

5. The Senate protects state rights. Smallest 25 states have about 16% of

the population and their Senators must approve/disapprove every new law.

States may not like the laws passed but they need to speak to their Senators.

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. Why can't state legislatures invoke the 10th Amendment

It was ratified as part of the Constitution specifically to preserve the power of the states against the power of the federal government.

Actually, I think I can answer that. A lot of these laws do not actually impose anything on the states; rather, it places restrictions and qualifications on federal aid to the states. The national speed limit, for example, declared that only states with a 55 MPH speed limit was eligible for federal highway funds. The national drinking age is a similar qualification. Some laws, like the federal ban on any use of marijuana, are out right violations that the Court has rationalized through bizzare twisting of the Interstate Commerce clause.