Congressional Research Service: Sebelius Can’t Fix CLASS

Avik Roy posted an interesting article on his The Apothecary blog yesterday. He writes that a Congressional Research Service report says that Congress has not given Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, as much power as she claims she has and plans to use.

Secretary Sebelius has assured Congress that she has the legal authority to prevent CLASS from becoming a fiscal disaster. Even with the broad powers she claims, it’s quite unlikely that she can right the ship. Now we learn, from Congress’ non-partisan research bureau, that her hands may be entirely tied. If so, the urgency of repealing CLASS is greater than ever.

If you already read our article, Implementing Obamacare: A Pattern of Disregard for the Law and the Constitution, Sebelius' expansive view of her powers should not come as a surprise. In an update to his article, Mr. Roy kindly added a link to our article.