99% Invisible Constitution Breakdown #3: Sen. Elizabeth Warren
98 snips
Oct 31, 2025 
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent Democratic voice and advocate for consumer protections, joins the discussion on the powers outlined in Article I of the Constitution. She delves into how the Commerce Clause has expanded federal authority, using examples like firearm regulations. Warren emphasizes the importance of Congress's power of the purse, warning against current executive overreach. She addresses how the Senate can act to check the president and the critical stakes in upcoming budget negotiations, particularly for healthcare and childcare funding.
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Commerce Clause Powers Are Vast
- The Commerce Clause lets Congress regulate almost anything because modern life touches interstate commerce.
- The Supreme Court's broad interpretations expanded federal power into criminal law, environmental and civil rights statutes.
Taxing And Spending Shape Policy
- Congress uses conditional spending to shape state behavior by offering federal funds with strings attached.
- The taxing power can regulate behavior rather than just raise revenue, as seen in the ACA's individual mandate ruling.
Necessary And Proper Enables Agencies
- The Necessary and Proper Clause extends Congress's listed powers to create agencies and make laws needed to execute them.
- Federal agencies exist because Congress authorized them under that clause, not by presidential fiat.