Document ID: ./input/supremecourt_opinions/opinions/boundvolumes/529bv.pdf
Page Number: 768.0

529US3

Unit: $U55

[09-26-01 13:01:10] PAGES PGT: OPIN

Cite as: 529 U. S. 667 (2000)

693

Thomas, J., dissenting

operation, and purpose” of Medicare, ibid., the consequences
In fact, the Court
of the Court’s reasoning are far reaching.
candidly acknowledges that its interpretation is expansive
when it reads 18 U. S. C. § 666(b) to suggest that “Congress
viewed many federal assistance programs as providing bene-
ﬁts to participating organizations.” Ante, at 678 (emphasis
added).
In contrast, I think that the plain language of
§ 666(b) reﬂects a congressional intent to reach only those
organizations that are themselves the beneﬁciaries of “useful
aid” or “ﬁnancial help in time of sickness, old age, or unem-
ployment,” rather than organizations that merely receive
funds as part of a market transaction for goods or services.

For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully dissent.

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