Majority Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee defeated the resolution on a party-line vote citing their support for the Obama-backed government run health care plan.
“There are real constitutional problems with the recently adopted government health care takeover,” Balmer said. “I think Attorney General Suthers deserves the support of the General Assembly in protecting Colorado from an extremely questionable law. Unfortunately, Democrats are unwilling to ask these important constitutional questions.”
Balmer says that House Joint Resolution 1008 raises important constitutional questions about the health care act. Balmer pointed out that the 2010 federal health care law unconstitutionally requires individuals to contract with private corporations.
“As legislators, we took an oath to uphold the federal and state constitutions,” Balmer said. “This new federal law clearly violates the U.S. Constitution, so we have a duty to challenge this unconstitutional law.”
Attorney Generals from across the United States have signed onto the lawsuit challenging the federal health care act. The lawsuit charges that the individual mandate implemented by the act exceeds Congress’ legislative authority and violates the constitutional rights of Americans.
“I think the Democrats who are willing to follow the will of Congress without question are going to find themselves on the wrong side of history,” Balmer said. “Even though my resolution failed, I personally support the AG in this lawsuit and I know many of my colleagues and constituents do as well.”
HJR 1008 was defeated on a 6-4 party-line vote.
