Federal law keeping my cat fix from being simple?

[Riceman1]

My 95 E320 has a suspected clogged cat convertor. I have it registered in a non-emission tested county. After going to 2 muffler shops to ask about just removing the cat so I might be able to bask in the preformance similar to what a euro model enjoys, They both informed me that it is a federal crime to bypass a cat converter. Anyone heard of this? I would just slap a universal fit on there but I'm concerned about the compatibility. BTW, stealership wants $1,023.00 for the OEM part. Perhaps, does anyone know of a reputable aftermarket direct fit?