Todd Tiahrt: “I am pleased the House of Representatives is again taking action to curb further abuse of eminent domain for economic…”

“I am pleased the House of Representatives is again taking action to curb further abuse of eminent domain for economic development purposes. Ever since the infamous Kelo v. City of New London Supreme Court decision in June, Kansans have voiced their strong opposition to this ruling. I agree fully with my constituents that governments should not be given the authority to transfer private land from one owner to another for economic development purposes. Securing the right of individuals to own and manage their own property is provided for in the U.S. Constitution. The Fifth Amendment states, ``nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.'' Every constituent who talks with me about this issue strongly believes the Supreme Court went too far when it said that a government can transfer private land from one owner to another if the second owner will supposedly generate more tax revenue. The court's decision does not pass the common sense test. The court's flawed reasoning is precisely what the original Supreme Court, warned against at its inception in 1789 when it called eminent domain a ``despotic power.'' Unfortunately, we have been forced to respond to the 2005 Supreme Court's decision with legislation to deter future land grabs by greedy local governments. The Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2005, H.R.…”