[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

           By Ms. KELLY of Illinois:
       H.R. 224.
       Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant 
     to the following:
       US Const. Art. I, Sec. 8, Cl. 1 (``The Congress shall have 
     the Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and 
     Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense 
     and General Welfare of the United States[.]''); US Const. 
     Art. I, Sec. 8, Cl. 18 (``The Congress Shall have the Power . 
     . . To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for 
     carrying into Execution for foregoing powers, and all other 
     Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the 
     United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.''). 
     The Surgeon Genreal of the Public Health Service is operated 
     using tax dollars, and serves the function of promoting and 
     advancing the nation's public health. Legislation requiring 
     the office to submit an annual report on the impact of gun 
     violence on the nation's public health is a ``necessary and 
     proper'' means of focusing the office's attention, and 
     ensuring all future public health legislation is well 
     informed and effective.