kimel et al florida board regents et argued october decided january age discrimination employment act adea act amended makes unlawful employer including state fail refuse hire discharge individual otherwise discriminate individual individual age petitioners three sets plaintiffs filed suit adea respondents state employers petitioners suits sought money damages respondents alleged discrimination basis age respondents three cases moved dismiss suits basis eleventh amendment district one case granted motion dismiss remaining cases district denied motion three decisions appealed consolidated eleventh circuit petitioner intervened appeal defend constitutionality adea abrogation eleventh amendment immunity divided panel opinion eleventh circuit held adea abrogate eleventh amendment immunity held although adea contain clear statement congress intent abrogate immunity abrogation exceeded congress authority fourteenth amendment pp adea satisfies simple stringent test uses determine whether federal statute properly subjects suits individuals congress made intention abrogate immunity unmistakably clear language statute dellmuth muth adea provisions shall enforced accordance powers remedies procedures provided sections except subsection thereof title subsection section section turn authorizes employees maintain actions backpay employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction section defines public agency include government state political subdivision thereof agency state political subdivision state text forecloses respondents claim existence enforcement provision adea renders congress intent incorporate clear statement abrogation ambiguous congress use phrase competent jurisdiction also render intent abrogate less clear finally clear statement inquiry focuses congress enact infer ambiguity sequence clear textual statement added statute pp held eeoc wyoming adea constitutes valid exercise congress article commerce clause power congress powers article however include power subject suit hands private individuals seminole tribe florida section fourteenth amendment grant congress authority abrogate sovereign immunity fitzpatrick bitzer pp section fourteenth amendment affirmative grant power congress city boerne flores power includes authority remedy deter violation rights guaranteed thereunder prohibiting somewhat broader swath conduct including forbidden amendment text congress however decree substance fourteenth amendment restrictions id ultimate interpretation determination amendment substantive meaning remains province judicial branch held remedial legislation appropriate must congruence proportionality injury prevented remedied means adopted end id pp adea appropriate legislation fourteenth amendment adea purported abrogation sovereign immunity accordingly invalid pp substantive requirements adea imposes state local governments disproportionate unconstitutional conduct conceivably targeted act age suspect classification equal protection clause see gregory ashcroft therefore may discriminate basis age without offending fourteenth amendment age classification question rationally related legitimate state interest rationality commanded equal protection clause require match age distinctions legitimate interests serve razorlike precision rather state may rely age proxy qualities abilities characteristics relevant state legitimate interests age proves inaccurate proxy individual case irrelevant judged backdrop equal protection jurisprudence clear adea proportion supposed remedial preventive object understood responsive designed prevent unconstitutional behavior city boerne supra act broad restriction use age discriminating factor prohibits substantially state employment decisions practices likely held unconstitutional applicable equal protection rational basis standard petitioners reliance bona fide occupational qualification defense misplaced decision western air lines criswell conclusively demonstrates defense far cry rational basis standard applies age discrimination equal protection clause although true existence defense makes adea prohibition age discrimination less absolute act substantive requirements nevertheless remain level akin heightened scrutiny cases equal protection clause exception permits employers engage conduct otherwise prohibited act differentiation based reasonable factors age confirms rather disproves conclusion adea extends beyond requirements equal protection clause exception makes clear employer rely age proxy employee characteristics hazen paper biggins whereas constitution permits reliance see gregory supra pp adea prohibits little conduct likely held unconstitutional significant alone provide answer inquiry difficult intractable problems often require powerful remedies never held precludes congress enacting reasonably prophylactic legislation one means determined difference statute constitutes appropriate remedy one attempts substantively redefine legal obligations examining legislative record containing reasons congress action see city boerne supra review adea legislative record whole reveals congress virtually reason believe state local governments unconstitutionally discriminating employees basis age congress never identified pattern age discrimination much less discrimination whatsoever rose level constitutional violation failure confirms congress reason believe broad prophylactic legislation necessary field pp today decision signal end line employees find subject age discrimination hands state employers employees protected state age discrimination statutes may recover money damages state employers almost every state union pp affirmed delivered opinion parts ii iv joined rehnquist scalia kennedy thomas jj part iii joined rehnquist stevens scalia souter ginsburg breyer jj stevens filed opinion dissenting part concurring part souter ginsburg breyer jj joined thomas filed opinion concurring part dissenting part kennedy joined daniel kimel et al petitioners florida board regents et al petitioner florida board regents et al writs certiorari appeals eleventh circuit january justice delivered opinion age discrimination employment act adea act stat amended et seq ed supp iii makes unlawful employer including state fail refuse hire discharge individual otherwise discriminate individual individual age cases three sets plaintiffs filed suit act seeking money damages state employers alleged discrimination basis age case state employer moved dismiss suit basis eleventh amendment immunity district one case granted motion dismiss remaining cases district denied motion appeals three cases consolidated appeals eleventh circuit held adea validly abrogate eleventh amendment immunity cases asked consider whether adea contains clear statement congress intent abrogate eleventh amendment immunity whether adea proper exercise congress constitutional authority conclude adea contain clear statement congress intent abrogate immunity abrogation exceeded congress authority fourteenth amendment adea makes unlawful employer fail refuse hire discharge individual otherwise discriminate individual respect compensation terms conditions privileges employment individual age act also provides several exceptions broad prohibition example employer may rely age bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary normal operation particular business act also permits employer engage conduct otherwise prohibited employer action based reasonable factors age employer discharge otherwise discipline individual good cause although act prohibitions originally applied individuals least forty years age less years age stat supp iii congress subsequently removed upper age limit act covers individuals age person aggrieved employer violation act may bring civil action competent jurisdiction legal equitable relief section also permits aggrieved employees enforce act certain provisions fair labor standards act flsa adea specifically incorporates flsa since enactment adea scope coverage expanded amendment particular importance cases act treatment state employers employees first passed adea applied private employers see supp iii defining term employer exclude corporation wholly owned government state political subdivision thereof statute consisting primarily amendments flsa congress extended application adea substantive requirements fair labor standards amendments act stat congress accomplished expansion scope simple amendment definition employer contained term employer also means state political subdivision state agency instrumentality state political subdivision state congress also amended adea definition employee still defining term mean individual employed employer excluding elected officials appointed policymakers state local levels act congress amended flsa enforcement provision incorporated reference adea stat section permits individual bring civil action employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction section defines ublic agency include government state political subdivision thereof agency state political subdivision state finally act congress added provision prohibiting age discrimination generally employment federal government stat ed supp iii current adea mandatory age limits law enforcement officers firefighters federal state local levels exempted statute coverage supp iii december roderick macpherson marvin narz ages time filed suit adea employer university montevallo district northern district alabama complaint alleged university discriminated basis age retaliated filing discrimination charges equal employment opportunity commission eeoc college business associate professors employed evaluation system disparate impact older faculty members macpherson narz sought declaratory injunctive relief backpay promotions full professor compensatory punitive damages app university montevallo moved dismiss suit lack subject matter jurisdiction contending barred eleventh amendment party disputes district holding university instrumentality state alabama september district granted university motion macpherson university montevallo civ action nd app pet cert pp determined although adea contains clear statement congress intent abrogate eleventh amendment immunity congress enact extend adea fourteenth amendment enforcement power id district therefore held adea abrogate eleventh amendment immunity id april group current former faculty librarians florida state university including daniel kimel named petitioner one today cases filed suit florida board regents district northern district florida complaint demand jury trial record doc complaint subsequently amended add plaintiffs current former faculty librarians florida international university app plaintiffs age alleged florida board regents refused require two state universities allocate funds provide previously agreed upon market adjustments salaries eligible university employees plaintiffs contended failure allocate funds violated adea florida civil rights act stat et seq supp disparate impact base pay employees longer record service older employees app plaintiffs sought backpay liquidated damages permanent salary adjustments relief id florida board regents moved dismiss suit grounds eleventh amendment immunity may district denied motion holding congress expressed intent abrogate eleventh amendment immunity adea adea proper exercise congressional authority fourteenth amendment tca nd may app pet cert pp may wellington dickson filed suit employer florida department corrections district northern district florida dickson alleged state employer failed promote age filed grievances respect alleged acts age discrimination dickson sought injunctive relief backpay compensatory punitive damages app florida department corrections moved dismiss suit grounds barred eleventh amendment district denied motion november holding congress unequivocally expressed intent abrogate eleventh amendment immunity adea congress authority fourteenth amendment dickson florida dept corrections nd app pet cert pp plaintiffs macpherson case state defendants kimel dickson cases appealed appeals eleventh circuit also intervened three cases defend adea abrogation eleventh amendment immunity appeals consolidated appeals divided panel opinion held adea abrogate eleventh amendment immunity judge edmondson although stating believed good reason exists doubt adea properly enacted pursuant fourteenth amendment id rested opinion adea lack unmistakably clear language evidencing congress intent abrogate sovereign immunity ibid noted adea lacks reference eleventh amendment sovereign immunity contain one place plain statement sued individuals federal id judge cox concurred judge edmondson ultimate conclusion immune adea suits brought individuals federal id judge cox however chose address thorny issue congress intent id instead found congress lacks power fourteenth amendment abrogate eleventh amendment immunity adea ibid concluded adea confers rights far extensive fourteenth amendment provides id congress enact adea proportional response widespread violation elderly constitutional rights id chief judge hatchett dissented grounds id granted certiorari resolve conflict among federal courts appeals question whether adea validly abrogates eleventh amendment immunity compare cooper new york state office mental health holding adea validly abrogate eleventh amendment immunity cert pending migneault peck cert pending coger board regents state cert pending keeton university system scott university miss goshtasby board trustees univ humenansky regents univ holding adea validly abrogate eleventh amendment immunity cert pending case ii eleventh amendment judicial power shall construed extend suit law equity commenced prosecuted one citizens another state citizens subjects foreign state although today cases concern suits brought citizens long understood eleventh amendment stand much says presupposition confirms seminole tribe florida quoting blatchford native village noatak accordingly century made clear constitution provide federal jurisdiction suits nonconsenting college savings bank florida prepaid postsecondary ed expense bd slip seminole tribe supra see hans louisiana petitioners nevertheless contend alabama florida must defend present suits merits congress abrogated eleventh amendment immunity adea determine whether petitioners correct must resolve two predicate questions first whether congress unequivocally expressed intent abrogate immunity second whether congress acted pursuant valid grant constitutional authority seminole tribe supra iii determine whether federal statute properly subjects suits individuals apply simple stringent test congress may abrogate constitutionally secured immunity suit federal making intention unmistakably clear language statute dellmuth muth quoting atascadero state hospital scanlon agree petitioners adea satisfies test adea provisions shall enforced accordance powers remedies procedures provided sections except subsection thereof title subsection section section turn clearly provides suits individuals provision authorizes employees maintain actions backpay employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction doubt concerning identity public agency defendant named dispelled looking defines term include government state political subdivision thereof agency state political subdivision state read whole plain language provisions clearly demonstrates congress intent subject suit money damages hands individual employees respondents maintain statutory sections less unmistakably clear two reasons brief respondents first note adea already contains enforcement provision provides relevant part ny person aggrieved may bring civil action competent jurisdiction legal equitable relief effectuate purposes chapter respondents claim existence renders congress intent incorporate clear statement abrogation flsa enforcement provision ambiguous text adea forecloses respondents argument section clearly adea shall enforced accordance powers remedies procedures provided section subsection section emphasis added accord statutory language explained repeatedly incorporates flsa enforcement provisions remedial options operate together see mckennon nashville banner publishing adea remedial provisions incorporate reference provisions fair labor standards act roche sperling adea incorporates enforcement provisions fair labor standards act provides adea shall enforced using certain powers remedies procedures flsa citation omitted lorillard pons ut changes congress expressly made adea intended incorporate fully remedies procedures flsa respondents argument attempts create ambiguity according statute text repeated interpretations thereof none respondents next point phrase competent jurisdiction contend makes congress intent abrogate less clear relying decision distinct context state waiver sovereign immunity kennecott copper state tax respondents maintain perhaps congress simply intended permit adea suit state cases state previously waived eleventh amendment immunity suit disagree decision kennecott copper must read context petitioner contended utah waived eleventh amendment immunity suit federal state statute authorized taxpayers pay taxes protest thereafter bring action competent jurisdiction return thereof id quoting utah code ann although statute undoubtedly provided suit state utah courts held statute fell short required clear declaration state consent sued federal courts emphasis added section contains ambiguity statute authorizes employee suits federal state competent jurisdiction emphasis added language eliminates ambiguity identified kennecott copper whether utah intended permit suits sovereign state state federal answer question clear actions may maintained federal state choice language sufficiently indicates congress intent adea abrogate eleventh amendment immunity suits individuals although justice thomas concedes opinion cases never required congress make clear statement single section statutory provisions enacted time post concludes adea lacks requisite clarity sequence events surrounding enactment amendment post justice thomas unwilling assume congress amended recognized consequences amendment adea post respectfully disagree fact congress amended adea act makes clear congress understood consequences actions indeed congress amended provide suits precisely act extended adea substantive requirements see act stat amending stat extending adea provisions confirm us effect adea amendment mere happenstance event never held congress must speak different gradations clarity depending specific circumstances relevant legislation amending incorporated provisions opposed enacting statute first time clear statement inquiry focuses congress enact infer ambiguity sequence clear textual statement added statute also disagree justice thomas remaining points see post although adea contain enforcement provision text acknowledges existence makes clear adea also incorporates save indicated otherwise proviso see provisions chapter shall enforced accordance powers remedies procedures provided sectio except subsection thereof subsection section emphasis added fail see interpretation suggested justice thomas carry embellishments already provided except authorization suits see post permissible one accept interpretation example one conclude congress intended incorporate portion third sentence provides collective actions part sentence authorizes suits see action recover liability prescribed either preceding sentences may maintained employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction one employees behalf employees similarly situated justice thomas also concludes fails clear statement test post already explained presence word competent render provision less unmistakably clear see supra justice thomas reliance single phrase decision employees dept public health welfare mo department public health welfare see post support contrary proposition puzzling given separate argument respect act crucial justice thomas argument front acknowledgement congress intend amendments permit flsa plaintiffs frustrated state defendants invocation eleventh amendment immunity employees avail newly amended post see also post agree implication statement response employees congress clearly intended newly amended abrogate sovereign immunity light conclusion congress unequivocally expressed intent abrogate eleventh amendment immunity must determine whether congress effectuated abrogation pursuant valid exercise constitutional authority iv first time considered constitutional validity extension adea state local governments eeoc wyoming held adea constitutes valid exercise congress power regulate commerce among several art cl act transgress external restraints imposed commerce power tenth amendment found adea valid congress commerce clause power concluded unnecessary determine whether act also supported congress power fourteenth amendment wyoming see id burger dissenting resolution today cases requires us decide question seminole tribe held congress lacks power article abrogate sovereign immunity even constitution vests congress complete lawmaking authority particular area eleventh amendment prevents congressional authorization suits private parties unconsenting id last term series three decisions reaffirmed central holding seminole tribe see college savings bank slip florida prepaid postsecondary ed expense bd college savings bank slip alden maine slip indeed college savings bank rested decision overrule constructive waiver rule parden terminal docks part seminole tribe holding see college savings bank supra slip recognizing congressional power exact constructive waivers sovereign immunity exercise article powers also practical matter permit congress circumvent antiabrogation holding seminole tribe firmly established precedent adea rests solely congress article commerce power private petitioners today cases maintain suits state employers justice stevens disputes precedent compare post alden supra slip souter dissenting college savings bank slip stevens dissenting id slip breyer dissenting florida prepaid supra slip stevens dissenting seminole tribe stevens dissenting id souter dissenting alden explained lthough sovereign immunity derives least part tradition structure history constitution make clear immunity exists today constitutional design slip purposes today decision sufficient note one occasion explained substantial reasons adhering constitutional design see id slip college savings bank supra slip seminole tribe supra pennsylvania union gas scalia concurring part dissenting part indeed present dissenters refusal accept validity natural import decisions like hans rendered full century ago makes difficult engage additional meaningful debate place state sovereign immunity constitution compare hans post today adhere holding seminole tribe congress powers article constitution include power subject suit hands private individuals section fourteenth amendment however grant congress authority abrogate sovereign immunity fitzpatrick bitzer recognized eleventh amendment principle state sovereignty embodies necessarily limited enforcement provisions fourteenth amendment id citation omitted since decision fitzpatrick reaffirmed validity congressional power numerous occasions see college savings bank supra slip florida prepaid supra slip alden supra slip seminole tribe supra accordingly private petitioners cases may maintain adea suits alabama florida adea appropriate legislation fourteenth amendment provides relevant part section state shall make enforce law shall abridge privileges immunities citizens shall state deprive person life liberty property without due process law deny person within jurisdiction equal protection laws section congress shall power enforce appropriate legislation provisions article recognized recently city boerne flores affirmative grant power congress congress first instance determin whether legislation needed secure guarantees fourteenth amendment conclusions entitled much deference id quoting katzenbach morgan congress power confined enactment legislation merely parrots precise wording fourteenth amendment rather congress power enforce amendment includes authority remedy deter violation rights guaranteed thereunder prohibiting somewhat broader swath conduct including forbidden amendment text nevertheless also recognized language serves basis affirmative grant congressional power also serves limit power example congress decree substance fourteenth amendment restrictions given power enforce power determine constitutes constitutional violation id emphases added ultimate interpretation determination fourteenth amendment substantive meaning remains province judicial branch id city boerne noted determination whether purportedly prophylactic legislation constitutes appropriate remedial legislation instead effects substantive redefinition fourteenth amendment right issue often difficult id line two fine one accordingly recognizing congress must wide latitude determining line lies held must congruence proportionality injury prevented remedied means adopted end id city boerne applied congruence proportionality test held religious freedom restoration act rfra appropriate legislation first noted legislative record contained little evidence unconstitutional conduct purportedly targeted rfra substantive provisions rather congress uncovered anecdotal evidence standing alone reveal widespread pattern religious discrimination country second found rfra proportion supposed remedial preventive object understood responsive designed prevent unconstitutional behavior id last term occasion apply congruence proportionality test florida prepaid considered validity eleventh amendment abrogation provision patent plant variety protection remedy clarification act patent remedy act held statute subjected patent infringement suits appropriate legislation fourteenth amendment patent remedy act failed meet congruence proportionality test first congress identified pattern patent infringement let alone pattern constitutional violations slip emphasis added moreover unlikely many acts patent infringement affected statute likelihood unconstitutional concluded scope act proportion supposed remedial preventive objectives id slip instead statute apparent basic aims provide uniform remedy patent infringement place footing private parties regime id slip acknowledged aims may proper congressional concerns article found insufficient support abrogation eleventh amendment immunity seminole tribe florida prepaid supra slip applying congruence proportionality test cases conclude adea appropriate legislation fourteenth amendment initially substantive requirements adea imposes state local governments disproportionate unconstitutional conduct conceivably targeted act considered claims unconstitutional age discrimination equal protection clause three times see gregory ashcroft vance bradley massachusetts bd retirement murgia per curiam three cases held age classifications issue violate equal protection clause see gregory supra bradley supra murgia supra age classifications unlike governmental conduct based race gender characterized seldom relevant achievement legitimate state interest laws grounded considerations deemed reflect prejudice antipathy cleburne cleburne living center older persons unlike suffer discrimination basis race gender subjected history purposeful unequal treatment murgia supra quoting san antonio independent school dist rodriguez old age also define discrete insular minority persons live normal life spans experience accordingly recognized murgia bradley gregory age suspect classification equal protection clause see gregory supra bradley supra murgia supra may discriminate basis age without offending fourteenth amendment age classification question rationally related legitimate state interest rationality commanded equal protection clause require match age distinctions legitimate interests serve razorlike precision explained conducting rational basis review overturn government action unless varying treatment different groups persons unrelated achievement combination legitimate purposes conclude government actions irrational bradley supra contrast state discriminates basis race gender require tighter fit discriminatory means legitimate ends serve see adarand constructors peña racial classifications constitutional narrowly tailored measures compelling governmental interests mississippi univ women hogan holding gender classifications constitutional serve important governmental objectives discriminatory means employed substantially related achievement citation omitted fourteenth amendment state may rely age proxy qualities abilities characteristics relevant state legitimate interests constitution preclude reliance generalizations age proves inaccurate proxy individual case irrelevant rationality test state violate equal protection clause merely classifications made laws imperfect murgia supra quoting dandridge williams finally age classification presumptively rational individual challenging constitutionality bears burden proving facts classification apparently based reasonably conceived true governmental decisionmaker bradley supra see gregory supra decisions murgia bradley gregory illustrate principles three cases held reliance broad generalizations respect age violate equal protection clause murgia upheld equal protection challenge massachusetts statute requiring state police officers retire age state justified provision ground age classification assured state physical preparedness officers although acknowledged officer murgia excellent physical health still perform duties state police officer found statute clearly met requirements equal protection clause id state chooses determine fitness precisely individualized testing age prove objective assuring physical fitness rationally furthered limitation id bradley considered equal protection challenge federal statute requiring foreign service officers retire age explained increasing age brings increasing susceptibility physical difficulties fact individual foreign service employees may able perform past age invalidate statute similar truth undercut compulsory retirement age uniformed state police murgia finally gregory upheld provision missouri constitution required judges retire age noting missouri provision based generalization effect old age ability individuals serve judges acknowledged far true judges suffer significant deterioration performance age probably true may true nevertheless missouri age classification subject rational basis review held state reliance imperfect generalizations entirely proper equal protection clause ibid decisions thus demonstrate constitutionality state classifications basis age determined basis constitution permits draw lines basis age rational basis level even probably true reasons valid majority cases judged backdrop equal protection jurisprudence clear adea proportion supposed remedial preventive object understood responsive designed prevent unconstitutional behavior city boerne act broad restriction use age discriminating factor prohibits substantially state employment decisions practices likely held unconstitutional applicable equal protection rational basis standard adea makes unlawful employment context discriminat ion individual individual age petitioners relying act exceptions dispute extent adea erects protections beyond constitution requirements contend act prohibition considered together exceptions applies arbitrary age discrimination majority cases corresponds conduct violates equal protection clause disagree petitioners stake claim section permits employers rely age bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary normal operation particular business petitioners reliance bona fide occupational qualification bfoq defense misplaced interpretation western air lines criswell conclusively demonstrates defense far cry rational basis standard apply age discrimination equal protection clause petitioner case maintained pursuant bfoq defense employers must permitted rely age reliance rational basis fact id rejected argument explaining bfoq standard adopted statute one reasonable necessity reasonableness id adea standard rational basis test significantly different id adea even bfoq defense state use age prima facie unlawful see western air lines act employers evaluate employees merits age application act therefore starts presumption favor requiring employer make individualized determination see ibid western air lines concluded bfoq defense shifts focus merits individual employee necessity age classification whole meant extremely narrow exception general prohibition age discrimination contained adea id citation omitted based conclusion restrictive language statutory bfoq provision eeoc regulation interpreting exception see cfr anticipated concept bfoq limited scope application exception act must narrowly construed succeed bfoq defense held employer must demonstrate either substantial basis believing nearly employees age lack qualifications required position reliance age classification necessary highly impractical employer insure individual testing employees necessary qualifications job emphases added measured rational basis standard equal protection jurisprudence adea plainly imposes substantially higher burdens state employers thus although true existence bfoq defense makes adea prohibition age discrimination less absolute act substantive requirements nevertheless remain level akin heightened scrutiny cases equal protection clause petitioners also place reliance next clause permits employers engage conduct otherwise prohibited act differentiation based reasonable factors age exception confirms however rather disproves conclusion adea protection extends beyond requirements equal protection clause exception simply makes clear employer rely age proxy employee remaining characteristics productivity must instead focus factors directly hazen paper biggins constitution contrast may rely age proxy characteristics see gregory generalization ability serve judges age bradley generalization ability serve foreign service officer age murgia generalization ability serve state police officer age section merely confirms congress adea effectively elevated standard analyzing age discrimination heightened scrutiny adea prohibits little conduct likely held unconstitutional significant alone provide answer inquiry difficult intractable problems often require powerful remedies never held precludes congress enacting reasonably prophylactic legislation task determine whether adea fact appropriate remedy instead merely attempt substantively redefine legal obligations respect age discrimination one means made determination past examining legislative record containing reasons congress action see florida prepaid slip city boerne appropriateness remedial measures must considered light evil presented strong measures appropriate address one harm may unwarranted response another lesser one id citing south carolina katzenbach examination adea legislative record confirms congress extension act unwarranted response perhaps inconsequential problem congress never identified pattern age discrimination much less discrimination whatsoever rose level constitutional violation evidence compiled petitioners demonstrate attention congress age discrimination falls well short mark evidence consists almost entirely isolated sentences clipped floor debates legislative reports see pp senate special committee aging improving age discrimination law comm print cong rec remarks steiger remarks donohue cong rec remarks smathers remarks sparkman remarks beckworth statements senator bentsen floor senate indicative strength evidence relied petitioners see cong rec stating ample evidence age discrimination broadly practiced government employment relying newspaper articles federal employees letters state revealed state local governments also guilty discrimination toward older employees ibid strong indications hiring firing practices governmental units discriminate elderly petitioners place additional reliance congress consideration report prepared state california age discrimination public agencies see hearings et al subcommittee labor house representatives committee education labor pp hearings reprinting state california citizens advisory committee aging age discrimination public agencies like assorted sentences petitioners cobble together decade worth congressional reports floor debates california study indicate state engaged unconstitutional age discrimination fact report stated majority age limits uncovered state survey applied law enforcement firefighting occupations hearings age limits permitted california law time see ibid also currently permitted adea see supp iii even california report uncovered pattern unconstitutional age discrimination state public agencies time nevertheless insufficient support congress extension adea every state union report simply constitute evidence unconstitutional age discrimination become problem national import florida prepaid supra slip finally argument congress found substantial age discrimination private sector see brief beside point congress made findings respect although also doubts whether findings congress make respect private sector extrapolated support finding unconstitutional age discrimination public sector sufficient cases note congress failed identify widespread pattern age discrimination see florida prepaid slip review adea legislative record whole reveals congress virtually reason believe state local governments unconstitutionally discriminating employees basis age although lack support determinative inquiry id slip city boerne congress failure uncover significant pattern unconstitutional discrimination confirms congress reason believe broad prophylactic legislation necessary field light indiscriminate scope act substantive requirements lack evidence widespread unconstitutional age discrimination hold adea valid exercise congress power fourteenth amendment adea purported abrogation sovereign immunity accordingly invalid decision today signal end line employees find subject age discrimination hands state employers hold adea congress validly abrogate sovereign immunity suits private individuals state employees protected state age discrimination statutes may recover money damages state employers almost every state union avenues relief remain available today decision adea validly abrogate sovereign immunity however present suits must dismissed accordingly judgment appeals affirmed ordered daniel kimel et al petitioners florida board regents et al petitioner florida board regents et al writs certiorari appeals eleventh circuit january justice stevens justice souter justice ginsburg justice breyer join dissenting part concurring part congress power regulate american economy includes power regulate public private sectors labor market federal rules outlawing discrimination workplace like regulation wages hours health safety standards may enforced public well private employers opinion congress power authorize federal remedies state agencies violate federal statutory obligations coextensive power impose obligations first place neither eleventh amendment doctrine sovereign immunity places limit power see seminole tribe florida souter dissenting eeoc wyoming stevens concurring application ancient doctrine sovereign immunity cases like supposedly justified freestanding limit congressional authority limit necessary protect dignity respect impairment national government framers however select judicial branch constitutional guardian state interests rather framers designed important structural safeguards ensure national government enacted substantive law provided enforcement normal operation legislative process adequately defend state interests undue infringement see generally wechsler political safeguards federalism role composition selection national government colum rev framers compromise giving state equal representation senate provides principal structural protection sovereignty several composition senate originally determined legislatures guarantee interests ignored congress framers also directed house composed representatives selected voters several consequence strategic yardsticks measurement interest opinion special centers political activity separate geographical determinants national well local politics whenever congress passes statute background state law already place propriety taking national action thus measured metric existing state norms congress seeks supplement supplant persuasiveness justification overcoming legislative inertia taking national action either creating new federal obligations providing enforcement must necessarily judged reference state interests expressed existing state laws precise scope federal laws course shaped nuanced attention state interests congress also authority grant withhold jurisdiction lower federal courts burden haled federal forum enforcement federal law thus expanded contracted congress deems proper decision like legislative acts necessarily contemplates state interests thus congress use broad range flexible legislative tools approach delicate issue balance local national interests responsive careful manner quite evident therefore framers view ultimate guardian interest protecting sovereignty impairment burdensome federal laws federalism concerns make appropriate congress speak clearly regulates state action cases safely presume burdens statute imposes sovereignty several taken account deliberative process leading enactment measure burdens necessarily include cost defending enforcement proceedings paying whatever penalties might incurred violating statute judgment question whether enforcement proceedings conducted exclusively federal agencies may brought private parties well matter policy congress decide either event congress made policy choice sovereignty concerns several satisfied federal interest evenhanded enforcement federal law explicitly endorsed article vi constitution countenance limitations word text constitution supporting conclusion doctrine sovereign immunity limits congress power authorize private parties well federal agencies enforce federal law importance respecting framers decision assign business lawmaking congress dictates firm resistance present majority repeated substitution views federalism expressed statutes enacted congress signed president eleventh amendment simply support view stated amendment places textual limitation diversity jurisdiction federal courts see atascadero state hospital scanlon brennan dissenting amendment part constitution never understood limitation diversity jurisdiction federal courts defined article iii abrogated act congress seminole tribe stevens dissenting however private petitioners invoke federal courts diversity jurisdiction citizens state defendants asserting claims arise federal law thus today decision relying seminole tribe rests entirely novel judicial interpretation doctrine sovereign immunity treats though constitutional precept nevertheless clear congress power create federal rights petitioners asserting must also power give federal courts jurisdiction remedy violations rights even necessary abrogate eleventh amendment version defense sovereign immunity essence holding pennsylvania union gas remain convinced union gas correctly decided decision five justices seminole tribe overrule case profoundly misguided despite respect stare decisis unwilling accept seminole tribe controlling precedent first foremost reasoning opinion profoundly mistaken fundamentally inconsistent framers conception constitutional order forsaken claim usual deference respect owed decisions stare decisis furthermore less force area constitutional law see burnet coronado oil gas brandeis dissenting instance hollow pretense state seek refuge stare decisis protection reliance interests credibly maintained state ordering affairs respect potential liability federal law requires adherence seminole tribe decision leaves open state liability upon enforcement federal law federal agencies state find solace stare decisis interest promoting evenhanded consistent development legal principles payne tennessee principle perverted invoked rely sovereign immunity defense deliberate violations settled federal law seminole tribe case unquestionably serious ramifications future cases indeed already effect decision today equally misguided opinion alden maine still seminole tribe decision unnecessarily forces resolve vexing questions constitutional law respecting congress authority finally repeated overruling earlier precedent majority discounted importance stare decisis area law kind judicial activism manifested cases like seminole tribe alden maine florida prepaid postsecondary ed expense bd college savings bank college savings bank florida prepaid postsecondary ed expense bd represents radical departure proper role opposed whenever opportunity arises accordingly respectfully dissent daniel kimel et al petitioners florida board regents et al petitioner florida board regents et al writs certiorari appeals eleventh circuit january justice thomas justice kennedy joins concurring part dissenting part atascadero state hospital scanlon cognizant impact abrogation eleventh amendment immunity suit federal usual constitutional balance federal government reaffirmed congress may abrogate making intention unmistakably clear language statute id rule assures legislature fact faced intended bring issue critical matters involved judicial decision michigan dept state police quoting bass especially applicable deals statute like age discrimination employment act adea whose substantive mandates extend elevator operators janitors charwomen security guards secretaries like every office building state governmental hierarchy employees dept public health welfare mo department public health welfare think congress made intention abrogate unmistakably clear text adea respectfully dissent part iii opinion natural begin clear statement inquiry examining provisions reside within four corners act question private petitioners government correctly observe adea substantive provisions extend employers see providing shall unlawful employer engage certain age discriminatory practices defining employer include state political subdivision state defining employee individual employed employer adea establishes individual provision aggrieved persons see person aggrieved may bring civil action competent jurisdiction legal equitable relief effectuate purposes chapter since case state employee possible defendant state submitted congress clearly expressed intent state employee may qualify person aggrieved bring suit state employer federal argument may logical appeal squarely foreclosed precedent explains decision employ different reasoning finding clear statement see ante employees confronted version fair labor standards act flsa clearly extended substantive matter state employers included following private provision action recover liability may maintained competent jurisdiction employees supra quoting held language fell short clear statement congress intent abrogate flsa substantive coverage state employers given meaning enforcement secretary labor raise eleventh amendment issue reluctant believe congress pursuit harmonious federalism desired treat harshly abrogating eleventh amendment immunity see also dellmuth muth holding congress clearly stated intent abrogate statute authorized parties aggrieved bring civil action state competent jurisdiction district without regard amount quoting adea different version flsa examined employees unquestionably extends substantive matter state employers mention provision person aggrieved may bring civil action competent jurisdiction legal equitable relief effectuate purposes chapter provision simply reveal congress attention augmented liability diminished sovereignty concomitant abrogation eleventh amendment immunity congress acting responsibly presumed take action silently employees supra ii perhaps recognizing obstacle posed employees private petitioners government contend adea incorporates clear statement flsa adea incorporating reference remained constant since enactment adea provides provisions chapter shall enforced accordance powers remedies procedures provided sections except subsection thereof title subsection section argued one incorporated provisions flsa unequivocally abrogates immunity suit federal section relevant part action recover liability prescribed either preceding sentences may maintained employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction noted discussion employees always worded time adea enacted relatively sparse version employees held insufficient abrogate immunity provided ction recover liability may maintained competent jurisdiction congress modified current formulation fair labor standards amendments amendments stat sequence events suggests view approach circumspection theory clear statement incorporation congress amends act whose provisions incorporated acts bill consideration necessarily mention incorporating references acts fails inspire confidence congress deliberated consequences amendment acts case legislation amended amendments even acknowledge given purpose clear statement rule assur legislature fact issue abrogation quoting bass unwilling indulge fiction congress amended recognized consequences separate act adea incorporates amended provision sure amendments stat modify certain provisions adea might suggest congress understood impact adea see ante another amendments suggests opposite section added statute limitations provision flsa new subsection suspended running statutory periods limitation cause action brought section flsa april date employees decided one hundred eighty days effective date amendments purpose new subsection revealed reference date employees decided also exception actions judgment entered defendant grounds state immunity federal jurisdiction allow flsa plaintiffs frustrated state defendants invocation eleventh amendment immunity employees avail newly amended appears however congress oblivious impact adea new operation adea ed sectio title shall apply actions chapter automatically became part adea yet new possible application adea observes ante citing amendments adea substantive mandates even apply amendments thus adea suits affected tolling provision congress recognized overinclusiveness problem likely amended incorporate cf incorporating powers remedies procedures provided sectio except subsection thereof emphasis added since congress left conclude congress clearly focus impact adea congress insouciance respect impact suggests congress similarly inattentive impact insofar closer terms space purpose implication draw almost certainly outweighs inference draw event notion amendments evidences congress awareness every last ripple amendments might cause adea best permissible inference unequivocal declaration necessary determine congress intended exercise powers abrogation dellmuth advances general critique approach explaining never held congress must speak different gradations clarity depending specific circumstances relevant legislation ante descriptive observation agree hardly probative light fact clear statement incorporation argument date presented acknowledge previous cases required clear statement appear within single section subsection act pennsylvania union gas overruled grounds seminole tribe florida see also confirming clear statement one statutory subsection looking provisions subsection cases required separate sections subsections act passed time union gas supra consulting original provisions comprehensive environmental response compensation liability act amendments act even accepting union gas correctly decided think situation congress amends incorporated provision analogous union gas union gas setting later congress actually amends act reasonable assume later congress focused various provisions whether new old combine express intent abrogate iii even clarifying amendment incorporated provision might sometimes provide clear statement abrogate purposes act provision incorporated case two reasons first clearly incorporate part establishes private employers second even assuming incorporates entirety falls short unmistakably clear expression congress intent abrogate eleventh amendment immunity suit federal dispute incorporates adea provisions seems least open debate whether incorporates portion creates individual private right action adea already contains private provision see mckennon nashville banner publishing adea contains vital element found title vii fair labor standards act grants injured employee right action obtain authorized relief lindemann grossman employment discrimination law ed adea grants aggrieved person right sue legal equitable relief effectuate purposes act citing omitted provisions identically phrased compare person aggrieved may bring civil action competent jurisdiction legal equitable relief effectuate purposes chapter action recover liability prescribed either preceding sentences may maintained employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction certainly similar function indeed private provision incorporated hence available adea plaintiffs analogous right action established wholly superfluous interpretive problem even pause acknowledge avoid overlap one might read adea create exclusive private add various embellishments whether elsewhere adea see trial jury incorporated parts flsa see collective actions ibid attorney fees ibid liquidated damages course interpretation adea plaintiff may choose basis private right action also plausible permissible inference whatever logical force remain permissible inference unequivocal declaration necessary determine congress intended exercise powers abrogation dellmuth apparently cognizant rule resorts extrinsic evidence prior decisions see ante adea incorporates enforcement provisions fair labor standards act provides adea shall enforced using certain powers remedies procedures alteration original quoting roche sperling citation omitted judicial opinions especially issued subsequent enactments question bearing whether congress clearly stated intent abrogate text statute given legislative history least antedates enactments review irrelevant judicial inquiry whether congress intended abrogate eleventh amendment dellmuth supra event roche present question state eleventh amendment immunity perfectly consistent view adea incorporates extras flsa overlapping provisions roche involved adea incorporation flsa authorization collective actions follows individual private provision see action recover liability prescribed either preceding sentences may maintained employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction one employees behalf employees similarly situated emphasis added may viewed falling outside overlap described even incorporates individual provision provision falls short unmistakable clarity insofar describes forum suit federal state competent jurisdiction emphasis added may federal competent eleventh amendment adjudicate suit private citizen state unless state consents suit explained employees history tradition eleventh amendment indicate reason barrier federal competent render judgment nonconsenting state emphasis added suggests ante ability distinguish single precedent ante discussing kennecott copper state tax illuminates aspect neither acknowledges employees say point explains follows modern clarity relative old modern clear enough absolute matter satisfy atascadero rule requires unmistakable clarity say flsa whole lacks clear statement congress intent abrogate section elucidates ambiguity within section recalled suspended running statute limitations actions brought state political subdivision april date employees decided one hundred eighty days effective date amendments except suspension shall applicable action judgment entered defendant grounds state immunity federal jurisdiction emphasis added explained part ii however face apply flsa congress failure amend adea general incorporation ed strongly suggests congress paid scant attention impact upon adea accordingly accept notion furnishes clarifying guidance interpreting adea purposes whatever assistance might provide construction flsa purposes reasons respectfully dissent part iii opinion footnotes together florida board regents et also certiorari footnotes see alaska stat ann et seq rev stat ann et seq ark code ann cal govt code ann et seq west supp rev stat et seq stat et seq del code tit et seq supp stat ann et seq supp code ann et seq supp haw rev stat et seq cum supp idaho code et seq supp comp ch et seq ind code et seq iowa code et seq supp stat ann et seq cum supp rev stat ann et seq michie supp la rev stat ann et seq west et seq west supp rev stat tit et seq supp md ann code art et seq supp mass laws et seq west supp comp laws et seq west supp stat et seq supp miss code ann mo rev stat et seq cum supp mont code ann et seq neb rev stat et seq rev stat et seq rev stat ann et seq supp stat ann et seq west supp stat ann et seq exec law et seq mckinney supp stat et seq cent code et seq supp ohio rev code ann et seq okla tit et seq supp rev stat et seq cons stat et seq supp laws et seq supp code ann et seq cum supp code ann et seq tex lab code ann et seq supp utah code ann et seq supp stat tit et seq supp code ann et seq supp rev code et seq code et seq stat ann et seq west supp wyo stat ann et seq footnotes federalist rossiter ed madison state governments may regarded constituent essential parts federal government senate elected absolutely exclusively state legislatures thus owe existence less favor state governments must consequently feel dependence much likely beget disposition obsequious overbearing towards congress expanded adea apply public employers form age discrimination law extend laws public employers see app brief respondents thus present majority view simply aggrandize power judicial branch also limits congress options responding precise attention state interests takes national action majority view therefore bolster framers plan structural safeguards state interests rather fundamentally odds plan indeed justice breyer explained forbidding private remedies may necessitate enlargement federal bureaucracy make difficult decentralize governmental decisionmaking provide individual citizens local communities variety enforcement powers college savings bank florida prepaid postsecondary ed expense bd slip dissenting opinion see also printz breyer dissenting president also plays role enactment federal law framers likewise provided structural safeguards protect state interests selection president electors choose president appointed manner directed state legislatures art ii cl majority electors cast vote one person president chosen house representatives chusing president manner constitution directs votes shall taken representatives state one vote art ii cl emphasis added see also amdt moreover constitution certainly protects state interests ways well provisions articles iv vii concern however respect state interests safeguarded ordinary legislative process balance national local interests reflected constitutional provisions may vary see term limits thornton insofar congress legislative authority concerned relevant constitutional provisions crafted ensure process adequately accounted local interests also recognize judicial branch sometimes plays role limiting product legislative process may example exercise legislative authority runs constitutional command see seminole tribe florida souter dissenting instances courts crafting wholly doctrines unrelated constitutional text solely guise necessity safeguarding state interests congress clearly expressed intention subject suits private parties adea join part iii opinion traditional view sovereign immunity defense recognized matter comity asserted courts another sovereign rather limitation jurisdiction forum see schooner exchange mcfaddon cranch marshall nevada hall see college savings bank florida prepaid postsecondary ed expense bd slip overruling parden terminal docks seminole tribe overruling pennsylvania union gas pennhurst state school hospital halderman stevens dissenting repudiates least cases spanning well century jurisprudence footnotes concur parts ii iv opinion agree purported abrogation eleventh amendment immunity adea falls outside congress enforcement power congress purpose mind flsa mean product congress efforts amended qualifies clear statement amended description forum federal competent jurisdiction emphasis added ambiguous insofar federal might competent unless state defendant consents suit see infra present point simply even assuming amended qualifies clear statement congress likely contemplate impact new adea adea amended remove incorporating reference see civil rights act stat adea expressly limits last remedy cases willful violations see lorillard pons roche consider implications eleventh amendment clear statement rule apparent selective quotation omitting words including public agency see roche sperling controversy centers around one provisions adea incorporates pertinent part action may maintained employer federal state competent jurisdiction one employees behalf employees similarly alteration original quoting two cases upon relies see ante citing mckennon nashville banner publishing lorillard pons supra also consistent view adea incorporates extras flsa overlapping provisions neither case consider whether adea incorporates part creates private action employer including public agency federal state competent jurisdiction supra incorporated adea see stat ed adea amended remove incorporating reference see civil rights act stat current unavailability adea purposes perhaps explains purports examine statute current form ante rely explained without light sheds falls short clear statement congress intent abrogate