Saxby Chambliss: “The political world this week has been focused on the U.S. Supreme Court and the arguments that have taken place over…”

“The political world this week has been focused on the U.S. Supreme Court and the arguments that have taken place over there with respect to what has been referred to as ObamaCare. I rise today to discuss how the 2-year-old health care law is forcing more government intrusion into the lives of Americans. After all, what could be more intrusive than the Federal Government telling you the type of health care coverage you must purchase? ``Purchase this product or face a penalty.'' With this law, I believe the American people have recognized that Congress has exceeded its constitutional authority. Just this week, a poll conducted by The Hill found that 49 percent of likely voters believe that the Supreme Court will rule against the constitutionality of the health care law, while only 29 percent believe it will be upheld. The American people have to ask themselves whether we should be able to punish citizens based whether they purchase a product from the private sector. The Commerce Clause only allows the Federal Government to regulate ``existing activity'' that affects interstate commerce. I hope this distinction will be recognized by our justices on the Supreme Court. With no end in sight to escalating health care costs, Republicans want to see innovation within the private sector to bring about changes to our health care system. Today, Medicare and Medicaid are running up our national debt and bankrupting our states.…”