On the recordMarch 22, 2013
Mr. President, this amendment would discourage the taking of private property to transfer to another private, nongovernmental use. It does not diminish the use of eminent domain for customary purposes, including the acquiring of property for public use, for public rights-of-way, to acquire abandoned property, or to remove immediate threats to public health or safety. In the past, we have had significant bipartisan support in regard to protecting property rights, so I would encourage us to vote in favor of the amendment. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from Washington.
