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By Michael Sluss
RICHMOND
The Virginia Senate took a stand against a key provision of a proposed federal health care overhaul Monday, passing legislation declaring that Virginia residents cannot be forced to buy health insurance.
The legislation targets the so-called "individual mandate" provision that could be part of a federal health care reform package being negotiated by congressional leaders. The Senate passed three identical bills by votes of 23-17, with five Democrats joining the chamber’s 18 Republicans in support of the measures.
Republicans in both houses have filed legislation taking on a controversial aspect of the reform package championed by President Barack Obama. Supporters of the legislation questioned the constitutionality of proposals that would require individuals to purchase insurance or be subject to a penalty.
“This is not a bill that deals with health care; it is a bill that attempts to reinforce the Constitution of the United States,” said Sen. Frederick Quayle, R-Suffolk, who is sponsoring one of the bills. “Never in the history if this country has the Congress of the mandated that all citizens of the United States purchase anything.”
Senate Bills 283, 311 and 417 state that no individual can be forced to purchase health insurance, even if coverage is provided by the person's employer.
Democratic opponents of the bills argued that any federal mandate would override the state law and render it useless. They also questioned whether a debate over still emerging federal legislation was a good use of the General Assembly’s time in a year when the state has a severe budget crisis to manage.
“We are legislating in theory and if we want to continue to do that and then tell our folks back home we’re accomplishing great things, that’s a wonderful thing to do,” said Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County. “We’re here to solve problems. We’re here to revive the economy. We’re here to close the budget gap. This legislation does none of that.”
The five Democrats who supported the bill are Charles Colgan of Manassas, Edd Houck of Spotsylvania County, John Miller of Newport News, Phillip Puckett of Russell County and Roscoe Reynolds of Henry County.
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Remember when the Va
Remember when the Va politico thought it was stupid for NC to pass a similar motion concerning jet noise?
I'm just sayin'
Va Senate Health care
I applaude them! Vote it in, and stand up to the feds even if it ends in the Supreme Court, enough is enough already.
This state law
does absolutely nothing to challenge the constitutionality of health reform. That is why it is useless.
Any legal challenge would have to be pursued through the courts, after health reform becomes federal law (if Congress ever passes it).
I would hope that state
I would hope that state legislatures would show some spine and stand up for their 10th Amendment powers. However, I see this playing out that if challenged in court, the feds will argue that they "constitutionally" have made states and their citizens buy into and pay social security taxes for retirement, and also for medicare and medicaid. Most of us know that the U.S. Constitution does not give congress that authority, but as usual, most politicians have selective amnesia when it comes to federalism anyway.
I agree
I think every Republican politician in Virginia should "stand up for their 10th Amendment powers" and call for the repeal of the "unconstitutional" Social Security and Medicare.
break away from rest of stae
Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads and the area in between, need to consider becoming a new State, let the rest of the State make it without us.... These two areas of Virginia make the most money which then it is given to small places run by greedy State Representatives and Senators - let them see how it is to exist without our hard earn tax money.
God Bless Virginia!!! We are trying to pass HB 2053 in PA
You have no idea how pleased I am that you folks are asserting your Constitutional rights. This is the Alamo.
either we sink or swim.. This and the Cap and Trade bills are the most import bills we will ever have to deal with. There are sections in the Senate Bill which can NEVER be changed. NEver. This will be the first new generation of Slavery since the Civil War!!!! Seriously..
My Senator Robert Casey confirmed that the GOv. has the right already to vaccinate you against your
will... kicking and screaming!!! Nice.. George Orwell was on target..!!!
Our own Rep. Matt Baker is leading the charge here in PA.. The Good people of Virginia have inspired us not
to give up... It will be a long hard fight.. But our most precious possession is at stake.. our freedoms!!!
bargain basement insurance
A mandate will spur a new generation of low-cost low-benefit plans that will only enrich the insurers without achieving the intended goal.
Make coverage available to all, then allow people to opt out of coverage at their own risk. You'll either be covered by private insurance, a government program (when qualified), or your bank account. Choose wisely.
Health care
Ok well I am one of the thousands of people who do not have medical insurance. I do not have it because I can not afford it. And if I need to go to the doctor's which knock wood is very rare i quess I will pay the bill myself. I don't expect taxpayers to cover my medical as I would not want to cover there's. Besides I am an American what happen to my rights. How can the goverment force me to have something I can not afford makes no sence to me.
About the govt
If you have a car, you are forced to have car insurance, If you don't, you have to pay in to a state fund. So, it's happening now.