860
Thomas, J., concurring
we have wisely decided that "unless Congress conveys its purpose clearly, it will not be deemed to have significantly changed the federal-state balance." United States v. Bass, 404 U. S. 336, 349 (1971). For this reason, I reiterate my firm belief that we should interpret narrowly federal criminal laws that overlap with state authority unless congressional intention to assert its jurisdiction is plain.*
Justice Thomas, with whom Justice Scalia joins, concurring.
In joining the Court's opinion, I express no view on the question whether the federal arson statute, 18 U. S. C. § 844(i) (1994 ed., Supp. IV), as there construed, is constitutional in its application to all buildings used for commercial activities.
*See Landreth Timber Co. v. Landreth, 471 U. S. 681, 700, n. 2 (1985) (Stevens, J., dissenting); Bennett v. New Jersey, 470 U. S. 632, 654-655, n. 16 (1985) (Stevens, J., dissenting); Garcia v. United States, 469 U. S. 70, 89-90 (1984) (Stevens, J., dissenting); Bell v. United States, 462 U. S. 356, 363 (1983) (Stevens, J., dissenting); McElroy v. United States, 455 U. S. 642, 675 (1982) (Stevens, J., dissenting).
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