[An.American.Expatriate]

I said there’s no limit on congressional spending power. Not in the constitution. The congress itself sets those.

Okay - Art 1. Section 8 limits powers of the congress - EXCEPT the power to raise and spend money, which they can do "as they please". Does that mean that the congress can pass a law which states that all persons who are or have ever been republicans must pay a 95% tax on all earnings, savings, profits etc ... failure to pay is a felony and results in loss of voting rights? Exactly what is meant by "general welfare"? Robbing the rich to help the poor?

[Tolsti2]

Well, it allowed them to do a progressive tax scheme, so.. Yes they could do that. And in a sense, already have.