Va. Tea Partiers Want Va. Products Exempt From Federal Oversight

Bill advances in House

Virginia legislative conservatives have advanced a bill that defies Washington by exempting products made and sold in-state from federal oversight.

The Republican-ruled House, on a largely partisan show of hands, set up a recorded vote Wednesday on a bill championed by tea party groups.

Speaking for the bill, Delegate Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, said the federal government "has become too big and too powerful and we're just not going to take it any more."

Opponents argued that it tramples the constitutional principle that makes regulation of commerce among the states a federal responsibility and Supreme Court rulings affirming it.

The bill is among several before Virginia lawmakers this year that challenge federal power.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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