Senate has voted to limit debate on the health care bill and expected to vote on final passage on December 24th. The already polarizing issue has become even more so with the decision to limit debate. Opponents from both sides of the aisle have expressed regret with the way the bill was cobbled together.
Despite these misgivings, Democrats DO seem to be planning on working together and passing the bill. Of course, this is just the first step on the way to a final bill. The House has to agree to the bill and it must be signed by the President. Perhaps most worrying of all to those who favor the bill is the argument about the constitutionality of the new bill.
What had started as a talking point has turned into solid plans to challenge the legality of the new bill. Opponents of the bill say that the government cannot force a private citizen to purchase goods- in this case, health care coverage. Another point of contention is the difference in requirements from state to state. Some states have received "special bills", which opponents say is illegal as it doesn't provide equal protection under the law.
Perhaps most surprising of all- some STATES are planning on challenging the federal government over this bill, citing the 10th Amendment.
Questions: Do you think the federal government has the power to force people to get health care coverage?
Do you think any states are actually going to go through with their plans to sue the federal government? Why or why not?
Do you think the Senate health care bill should pass?
Despite these misgivings, Democrats DO seem to be planning on working together and passing the bill. Of course, this is just the first step on the way to a final bill. The House has to agree to the bill and it must be signed by the President. Perhaps most worrying of all to those who favor the bill is the argument about the constitutionality of the new bill.
What had started as a talking point has turned into solid plans to challenge the legality of the new bill. Opponents of the bill say that the government cannot force a private citizen to purchase goods- in this case, health care coverage. Another point of contention is the difference in requirements from state to state. Some states have received "special bills", which opponents say is illegal as it doesn't provide equal protection under the law.
Perhaps most surprising of all- some STATES are planning on challenging the federal government over this bill, citing the 10th Amendment.
Questions: Do you think the federal government has the power to force people to get health care coverage?
Do you think any states are actually going to go through with their plans to sue the federal government? Why or why not?
Do you think the Senate health care bill should pass?
