North Dakota legislature approves health care nullification bill
The North Dakota House voted to approve a health care nullification bill last Wednesday.
The legislation declares, “The federal laws known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 likely are not authorized by the United States Constitution and may violate its true meaning and intent as given by the founders and ratifiers.”
The House approved the measure 69-24, joining the Senate, which passed the reconciliation bill 32-15 the day before. The legislation now awaits Gov. Jack Dalrymple’s signature.
If signed, the law will authorize the North Dakota legislature to enact “any measure necessary” to prevent the enforcement the PPACA in the state. It also declares that no provision in the health care act may interfere with any North Dakota citizen’s choice in health care provider or insurance.
“Just ask yourself this: If the federal government can force you to buy health insurance, what else can they force you to buy?” Sen. Margaret Sitte (R-Bismarck) said during Senate debate. “At what point do states have to stand up and say, ‘Enough’?”
The initial bill was based on model legislation written by the Tenth Amendment Center, and the organization worked closely with sponsoring lawmakers to get the legislation passed. Although the original language was significantly watered down and proposed penalties for agents attempting to enforce the health care act were ultimately removed, TAC executive director Michael Boldin says the bill still sends a strong message to D.C. and represents a victory for state sovereignty and decentralization.
”Personally, I’m sick and tired of being told how to handle my health care, what size my toilet should be, what kind of light bulb I can use, what plants I can grow in my yard and plenty more. This nullification bill is a great first step in restoring the founders’ vision – local, self-governance.”
It remains unclear if Dalrymple will sign the bill. Rob Port, a prominent North Dakota political observer says he should.
“I think our state leaders have spent far too long thinking of themselves as subservient to the federal government, needing to jump through hoops to ensure that the gravy train of federal money flows into our state. But the federal government is bankrupt, and it’s time for states like North Dakota to assert their independence.”
Harold
