Necessary and proper clause

The Necessary and Proper clause, also known as the elastic clause, the basket clause and the sweeping clause (Art. I, Sec. 8, Cl. 18 of the United States Constitution) permits Congress to pass laws that it believes are "necessary and proper".

"To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof."