Sen. Reed: Forcing People to Buy Health Insurance is Constitutionally Justified Because

CNS News ^ | 11/10/09

[FromLori]

When asked where specifically the Constitution authorized Congress to mandate that individuals buy health insurance, Sen. Jack Reed (D.-R.I.) said that he “would have to check the specific sections” but said that it was like making people “sign up for the draft.”

“Specifically where in the Constitution does Congress get its authority to mandate that individuals purchase health insurance?” CNSNews.com asked Reed.

“Let me see,” said Reed. “I would have to check the specific sections, so I’ll have to get back to you on the specific section. But it is not unusual that the Congress has required individuals to do things, like sign up for the draft and do many other things too, which I don’t think are explicitly contained [in the Constitution]. It gives Congress a right to raise an army, but it doesn’t say you can take people and draft them. But since that was something necessary for the functioning of the government over the past several years, the practice on the books, it’s been recognized, the authority to do that.”

[Thrownatbirth]

The constitutional issue will have to be addressed long before it affects individuals. States will convene their own constitutional committees to simply opt out of any health care bill the government tries to impose.

I see State's rights vs. federal authority becoming the battleground, just as it was right before the Civil War.

[edge10]

I’m sure the Supreme Court will find justification in Scottish law or the Magna Carta.

[This_far]

He said it was Constitutionally justified. Weasel words for “we can do anything we want to you”.

Think "Constitutionally Justified" would work if associated with a rope and a tree? (hypothetical situation, only for discussion)

[Just A Nobody]

It gives Congress a right to raise an army, but it doesn’t say you can take people and draft them. But since that was something necessary for the functioning of the government over the past several years...

Hey MORON...we have NOT had a draft over the past several years. Good grief! This is an example of the idiots that are making laws for me to abide by? FUJR

[Uncle Miltie]

0bummerCare is like making all people buy the exact same bicycle.

Most folks have a bike and like their own, but don't want the government to take their current bike and force them to buy a government designed bike.

There are 37 vendors, but they are required to only carry the government designed bike.

Some very few people have no need of a bike. Too bad, the government is now forcing everyone to buy the government issued bike.

Repair parts for the bike will not be available. If your government issued bike breaks, too bad so sad, you're stuck at home until you starve to death.

If you choose to walk, take the train, boat or use any other form of transportation, the government imprisons you.

The government designed bike will cost $10,000 in a few years.

The government designed bike has known design flaws that will cause it to self destruct in 12 years.

The government will be able to track everywhere you go on your bike.

Brings to mind a visual:

[This_far]

The military draft is also unconstitutional (IMHO) Reid! The federal government doesn't own the American populace.

The draft is not mandated equally across the populace unlike the proposed health care bill.

[Texas Fossil]

This is going to hit the fan soon. Have been saying it, but there is more evidence of it daily.

“Can you here us NOW?”

Guess not.

[mc6809e]

They’ll use the income tax amendment to do it.

All they have to do is give everyone with the require insurance a rebate on their income taxes. Those without the rebate end up effectively paying a penalty.

Yet another reason to get rid of the income tax.

[This_far]

“Can you here us NOW?”

Guess not.

Yeah, I agree with ya. Think it's like getting a donkey's attention, first ya get a 2x4...

I find it particularly offensive that the HC bill, which WILL hinder our freedom, is voted in so near to Veterans Day.

[wideminded]

Perhaps some knows what language in the Massachusetts constitution permitted that state to require people to buy health insurance.

[wideminded]

Perhaps someone here knows what language in the Massachusetts constitution permitted that state to require people to buy health insurance.

[RedMDer]

This means we are winning.
Keep fighting.
Forward with confidence!
Forward!

[cranked]

If Obamacare garbage is eventually passed, I am so looking forward to it being contested on the basis of its constitutionality. Just my opinion, but I agree with Judge Napolitano, there is no constitutional basis or grounding for the requirements of ObamaCare.

[JSDude1]

That little draft thing worked out really well with young voters, right?

[ApplegateRanch]

I can tell him what section(s) he thinks it is, but like most Libtards he thinks it means something it doesn’t.

Are you sure he meant that section, and not the other section(s) that Libtards think means something it doesn't, but is also used to justify so much of their legislation?

[Domandred]

I was thinking of two clauses that libs try to use all the time, though not sure which one Harry was thinking of.

Course the fact he couldn’t even seem to come up with a paraphrase of either tells me he may not have even read the sections himself and was just pulling at strings hoping one would hold.

[EternalVigilance]

In other words, we can “make it up as we go along, and do anything we want to do.”

[ApplegateRanch]

“provide for the general welfare” and “regulate interstate commerce” were my two picks; same as yours?