Melvin Watt: “I do not come to make that argument today, although there are some very serious constitutional questions about a part of…”

“I do not come to make that argument today, although there are some very serious constitutional questions about a part of this bill. But the bulk of the bill I would concede is constitutional, so I guess I should be relieved that I am not here raising the constitutional arguments today. What I say to you instead about this bill is that it may be constitutional, but it makes absolutely no sense. And that is just as unforgivable in the legislative context, it seems to me. Mr. Chairman, I do not know why, even though I am from the State of North Carolina, which is one of the 3 States that would qualify for funds under this bill, why a Congress of the United States that is representative of 50 States would pass a piece of legislation that can benefit only 3 States. I guess I ought to be quiet as a person from North Carolina, which is one of the 3 States that can benefit under this legislation, but it just seems to me to be irrational to be talking about passing a piece of legislation that can benefit only 3 out of the 50 States in this country.”