Thirteen state AGs sue over health bill -Breaking News-

They say bill's requirement to buy health insurance is unconstitutional
The ink is still drying on the health care overhaul bill signed into law Tuesday by President Barack Obama, but attorneys general from 13 states have filed a lawsuit to challenge the legislation.

The lawsuit was filed immediately after the president's signing ceremony Tuesday. It names the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor.

Attorneys general from Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Michigan, Utah, Pennsylvania, Alabama, South Dakota, Louisiana, Idaho, Washington and Colorado are joining in. Other GOP attorneys general may join the lawsuit later or sue separately.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is taking the lead in the lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Pensacola.

The issue at the heart of the suit is the constitutionality of the so-called "individual mandate," which requires most Americans to have an insurance plan or else pay a federal penalty.

The Constitution gives Congress the authority "to regulate commerce." In other words, once someone engages in commerce, the government has the power to regulate that activity.

But opponents say that the "commerce clause" does not give the government power to require an individual to buy something — especially insurance for the health of one's own body.



Link to the document

Source: MSNBC Article





[edit on 23-3-2010 by Blood Eagle]

If the Supreme Court goes by this old ragged piece of paper they should win. Maybe we should go give them judges some caffeine and and a copy of the constitution...just to be sure?

I think it will be interesting to see the fall out from this and other things like the state legslatures that are comming out stating that their citizens do not have to follow the federal mandate, and will go after the federal government if they try to enforce it. What I believe is going to happen is the following: The republicans are going to fight every thing the Democrats try to pass. There will be politcal backlashes, and that the president will not pass or threaten to veto anything the Republicans try to get through Congress. The republicans will rally around that the President does not want or desire their opinions, and start the President on a lame duck session. In November it will be seen the will of the people as it will either change the congress or it will end up being business of usual.

How far does federal power go? I hope this leads to more lawsuits over the expanding federal government, not just about healthcare, either. Unfortunately, if it really gets out of hand it will lead to even more violence which justifies the continuing trend towards a police state nationwide. Seems like a lose-lose situation, but at least there is now some major resistance. If this bill isn't the straw that breaks the camels back, then the 'climate change' legislation, national ID card bill, or the censorship of the internet bill put in by Jay Rockefeller will be. All three will most likely be voted on by the end of this year. Expect more lawsuits.