Tom Price: “the fifth amendment to the Constitution states that ``No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without…”

“the fifth amendment to the Constitution states that ``No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.'' However, that was then. Thanks to the recent Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain, the fifth amendment has been vastly expanded. As one Supreme Court Justice stated in the dissent, ``Nothing is to prevent the State from replacing a Motel 6 with a Ritz Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory.'' Property rights? There is nothing right about this decision. Now, tax revenues are more important than neighborhoods. Mr. Speaker, with this decision, the rights of our citizens are now competing with tax revenue and private developments. The Constitution is meant to protect the rights of our citizens, not compete with the bottom line. What is clear at this moment is that the Supreme Court has thrown the protection of individual property rights right out the window. These Justices need to be reined back in by both State action and loud condemnation of this outrageous finding. Public use has been redefined so boldly by this Supreme Court decision that it's no wonder citizens are concerned about their homes and property.…”