Twelve States Ready HCR Lawsuits

According to World Net Daily, twelve state attorneys general are preparing to sue the federal government to block the health care reform bill.

"The health-care reform legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last night clearly violates the U.S. Constitution and infringes on each state's sovereignty," said Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, a Republican. "On behalf of the state of Florida and of the attorneys general from South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Pennsylvania, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota and Alabama," McCollum announced, "if the president signs this bill into law, we will file a lawsuit to protect the rights and the interests of American citizens."

Virginia's Republican Attorney General, Kenneth Cuccinelli, has also vowed to bring suit, claiming Congress' constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce doesn't extend to requiring Virginians to buy health insurance. "If a person decides not to buy health insurance, that person by definition is not engaging in commerce," Cuccinelli said in a statement. "If you are not engaging in commerce, how can the federal government regulate you?" And in the 12th state, Idaho, Republican Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed a measure last week requiring the state's attorney general to file a suit challenging the mandate as soon as the health-care overhaul becomes law.

All will be citing the Tenth Amendment in their suits.