Todd Tiahrt: “Mr. Chairman, the right to own and use private property is a fundamental right to our system of self-governance. H.R.…”

“Mr. Chairman, the right to own and use private property is a fundamental right to our system of self-governance. H.R. 925 and this amendment on the Private Property Protection Act is a crucial step in restoring the constitutional integrity of the takings clause. The ability to own property enables citizens to exercise their autonomy over Government authority. That is why this right to own private property is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. The fifth amendment states: ``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.'' Mr. Chairman, it could not be more clear. If the Government deprives someone of their property, then we must compensate them. What do we hear from the opponents on the other side of the aisle? The passage of this bill is too expensive. That is precisely the point. If it is too expensive to compensate property owners after implementing regulation, then perhaps we do not need the regulation. It is never too expensive to uphold the Constitution. Let's not limit the property owner's freedom.”