GOP Bill Seeks To Force Welfare Applicants To Waive Fourth Amendment Rights

[meow2u3]

Rep. Stephen Fincher (R-TN) introduced a bill in the House Friday that would require states that want to receive full funding for welfare assistance to force its citizens to waive their Fourth Amendment rights and submit to random drug testing. In a press release, Fincher describes the Welfare Integrity Act of 2013:

The bill requires each state participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to certify that applicants and current recipients are being randomly test for illegal drug use. In order to pass constitutional muster, the bill requires states to provide a consent and waiver form, where applicants are given the choice to waive their Fourth Amendment Rights and submit to a random drug test...(more at link)

A federal appeals court has already blocked Florida’s mandatory drug-testing law, making it clear a blanket testing of public assistance applicants is likely unconstitutional. “The simple fact of seeking public assistance does not deprive a TANF applicant of the same constitutional protection from unreasonable searches that all other citizens enjoy,” the court held.

http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/03/05/1673081/gop-bill-seeks-to-force-welfare-applicants-to-waive-fourth-amendment-rights/?mobile=nc

Those goddamn teabagger don't give a rat's ass about anybody's Constitutional rights except their own. One silver lining: it'll never pass the Senate.

[atreides1]

1. I have a better idea.

Test politicians for illegal drug use...it can be done randomly, we'll randomly test Tea Baggers first!!!

For the Republicans it's a win/win...they can cut spending and get rid of that surplus population they all seem to despise...

[meow2u3]

4. I have an even better idea

Impose random drug tests not only on politicians, but also on banksters, corporate CEO's, and billionaires, too. This includes alcohol. If they're over the legal limit, they have to pay back every last penny of corporate welfare they received--retroactive to 2001!

[Flashmann]

5. I have a better idea.

Great idea...I suggest adding an IQ test and a Civics exam to the mix...

[angstlessk]

2. Between this and the 'arbitration' post by Hightower..I thought

One could NEVER sign away their constitutional rights...no matter what...has that changed?

on edit..the arbitration post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/101657093

[randome]

3. 'Random', huh?

And if a LE official doesn't particularly like someone, he/she can show up 12 times a week to harass the hell out of them.

[Downwinder]

6. Whats good for the Goose is good for the Gander.

Let Rep. Fincher volunteer himself and his whole family for random drug testing.

[Sivafae]

7. Oh my..I read that as "Welfare Indignity Act of 2013" Now I must finish the article...