[Animal Care] Kimora, a licensed veterinarian, was recently elected to the U.S. Senate. Kimora is very concerned about the lack of care for homeless cats and dogs. She proposes legislation whereby citizens of all states are to be taxed sufficiently to provide for no-kill animal shelters, and that citizens in states with higher than average incomes are to be taxed at a higher rate than citizens of other states. She also proposes that federal funds for state highways be denied to any state that fails to provide assistance to low-income citizens in covering pet vaccinations. José, another new senator, tells Kimora that, apart from the mandated federal income tax, Congress lacks the authority to tax states because the U.S. Constitution expressly reserves that right to the states. Sven, another senator, tells Kimora that Congress has no authority to link highway funds or any other funds with social welfare objectives. Devonne, a clerk in the Senate, tells Kimora that Congress is absolutely prohibited from taxing residents of one state at a higher rate than citizens of another state.
-Is Sven's statement about linking funds with social welfare objectives correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sven is incorrect because Congress has the authority to link federal funds, including highway funds, to the achievement of social welfare objectives, as has been demonstrated in various legislative acts and Supreme Court decisions, such as the withholding of highway funds to enforce the national minimum drinking age.

[Animal Care] Kimora, a Licensed Veterinarian, Was Recently Elected to the U.S