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(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Representative Sue Myrick (NC-9) signed onto a resolution voicing disapproval of the US Supreme Court decision regarding eminent domain. Rep. Myrick is also co-sponsoring the Private Property Rights Protection Act.
On Thursday, June 23, 2005, the US Supreme Court ruled, in Kelo et al v. City of New London, 04-108, that local governments may use eminent domain to seize people's homes and businesses if it is for the “good” of the public. In effect, this decision nullifies the protections afforded private property owners in the “Takings Clause” of the Fifth Amendment.
“The last time I checked, the judicial branch was created to rule on laws; not create or expand them. Eminent domain has its purposes, but this ruling allows local governments to take private property from regular citizens in order to build office buildings, malls, or anything the local government might think will bring in more tax dollars,” said Rep. Myrick. “This ruling is not only ludicrous, but it is wrong. Government should protect people and their property — not illegally and unconstitutionally take it from them!”
Rep. Myrick has taken action by signing onto House Resolution 340. This resolution expresses the “grave disapproval” of the House of Representatives regarding the Supreme Court decision. Myrick is also co-sponsoring the Private Property Right Protection Act. This bill prohibits any state from using “economic development” as a justification for exercising the power of eminent domain if federal funds are being used for the eminent domain project, or when federal funds are used for the exercise and enforcement of eminent domain.
“I’m going to make sure that Congress does all it can to soften this ruling. This resolution and this Act are good starts in making sure landowners can be secure in their property rights,” said Myrick.
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