Michigan Challenge To Health Law Begins
The Detroit News: On Wednesday, "[a] federal judge heard arguments [in the] lawsuit that is being watched nationwide for its challenge of congressional authority to reform health care in a way that would penalize citizens who fail to obtain their own health insurance." The attorney for one plaintiff, The Thomas More Law Center, a group espousing religious principles, said, "There is no precedent for this power grab" (Guthrie, 7/22).Detroit Free Press: The group is "seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the government to force them to purchase health care. Judge George Caram Steeh will hear the case based on a Commerce Clause claim" (Angel, 7/20).
The Michigan Messenger: According to the plaintiff's attorney, Robert Muise, "'Congress has authority to do any number of things to improve health care. But the Constitution limits Congress to what it can impose on individuals. We are here because the Congress violated the U.S. Constitution by forcing individuals to engage in a commercial activity'" (Brayton, 7/22).
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