HR 1126, To reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988

This bill is simple. It is really not that important overall, but it is most definitely unconstitutional. The Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act was initially authorized until 1991, but was extended until 1997. It has laid dormant until this bill, which would reauthorize it, with a $12 million annual budget, until 2012.

Comments: The big deal with this is that nowhere in the constitution (check your copy right now) is there written "Congress shall assist the various metallurgic industries with research and development". The only thing separating a government from a common thief is that the government was given the power to take money away from the citizens for certain enumerated purposes. Should the government use that money for purposes outside the contract, they are embezzling and in breach of contract. Embezzling $12 million is the sort of crime that would get you or me locked up for a very long time. The difference is that we do not have nuclear weapons to protect us from the consequences of our actions. I would simply like to take this opportunity to note that most of the bills, even some of those I have supported, passed by congress, are in fact unconstitutional. I got mad at Bill Clinton for perjury in court, but our congressmen give lie to their oath of office "to uphold and defend the constitution" every time they vote in favour of these bills. I don't really have a point here, just an observation.

I would endorse a vote of NAY.