Medicaid Outreach and Assistance for Communities Act of 2026

The proposed amendment falls within the enumerated power of Congress to tax and spend for the general welfare, as it authorizes increased payments to States for outreach and enrollment under an existing federal program. Such expenditures promote the general welfare by facilitating the administration of relief to the needy, a proper object of federal spending. This action is a necessary and proper means to execute the spending power, amending prior legislation without encroaching upon state sovereignty, as States may accept or decline the funds. Federal supremacy ensures the validity of such co…

The proposed amendment to title XIX of the Social Security Act seeks to expand federal payments to States for outreach and enrollment in the Medicaid program, a form of public welfare provision. The Constitution grants Congress no enumerated power to engage in such internal matters of health, charity, or assistance to individuals, which are reserved to the States or the people. The taxing and spending authority is limited to the common defense and general welfare within the scope of other enumerated powers, not a broad license for federal welfare schemes. This action invades the reserved power…

This proposed amendment to title XIX of the Social Security Act seeks to increase federal payments to States for outreach and enrollment in a program of medical assistance to particular classes of citizens. Such expenditures fall outside the enumerated powers of Congress, as the power to tax and spend is not an unlimited commission for the 'general welfare' but is qualified by the specific objects listed in Article I, Section 8. In Federalist No. 41, it is observed that the phrase 'common defense and general welfare' does not convey plenary authority but is explained by the particulars that fo…

The proposed amendment to title XIX of the Social Security Act, increasing payments to States for outreach and enrollment under the Medicaid program, falls within the enumerated powers of Congress. The power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare is expressly granted, and the provision of funds to States for the assistance of their inhabitants in matters of health and welfare is a legitimate end within that scope. Such payments are plainly adapted as a means to execute this power, consistent with the necessary and proper clause, as they enable the promotion of the general …