United States District Judge Keith Starrett refused to dismiss a challenge to the new healthcare legislation that was filed by state Sen. Chris McDaniel, who is also an attorney, as part of a class action suit. Starett ruled that the Petitioners do have standing to contest the individual mandate. At this point, Starrett will begin consideration on the merits of the case.
In a press release, McDaniel said this about the ruling: “We are very pleased with the Court’s decision. A mandate forcing American citizens to enter a contract with another private entity, including an insurance company, is unconstitutional. Congress does not have the unlimited power to regulate, prohibit, or mandate any or all activities in the United States. Such a doctrine would abolish any limit on federal power and alter the fundamental relationship of the national government to the states and the people. For the sake of our republic, the constitutional limits imposed on the federal government must stand for something.”
Phil Bryant was one of the Mississippians part of the suit, and he said this: “I have long believed that Obama Care is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett’s decision to hear my lawsuit on the merits gives me the opportunity to prove that the Obama Administration’s attempt to force all Americans to purchase health insurance violates our rights. I look forward to continuing this fight.”