In its unanimous decision in Bond v. United States, the United States Supreme Court makes a number of critically important arguments in favor of restoring the principle of federalism and returning the federal government to its limited, constitutionally-defined role.  The decision can be read online here; at only 19 pages, it is worth a read.  Also, please read this excellent opinion-editiorial from The Wall Street Journal (June 28, 2011). 

"Limiting Federal Intrusion" was a central plank of the TCC "Pledge with Texans," the conservative legislative agenda that was signed by Governor Rick Perry, Comptroller Susan Combs, and seventy-eight conservative state legislators. One of the primary accomplishments on that front: the House and the Senate have formally requested an interstate health care compact (SB 7, Special Session), pursuant to Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution.  The compact would give the state flexibility to direct our own health & human services programs without prescriptive federal mandates.  A compact is a creative constitutional approach to restoring federalism and bolstering state authority and responsibility for health care. 

Most importantly, the Bond decision, coupled with the success of the 82nd Legislature, should give conservatives new optimism as we challenge extra-constitutional exercises of federal power that come at the expense of state prerogatives and individual liberty.

Throughout the interim and in to next session, TCC will continue to focus our efforts on limiting federal intrusion, and upholding liberty.