In 2009 Bill Nelson voted for President Barack Obama’s government-run healthcare bill that raised taxes by $500 billion, cut $500 billion from Medicare and forced every American to purchase health insurance.
Fortunately the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals – which was comprised of two judges who were nominated by President Bill Clinton and one judge who was nominated by President George H.W. Bush – ruled that the health care reform law’s requirement that nearly all Americans buy insurance is unconstitutional.
As the Washington Examiner reports:
“A federal appeals court has ruled that the national health care law’s individual mandate is unconstitutional, calling it “an unprecedented exercise of congressional power.” The 11th Circuit, which was hearing the case brought by 26 states led by Florida and the National Federation of Independent Business concluded: that the individual mandate contained in the Act exceeds Congress’s enumerated commerce power.”
“Despite his continued attempts to defend ObamaCare, yet another federal court confirmed today that Bill Nelson’s individual mandate is unconstitutional,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox. “Once again, Bill Nelson’s liberal Washington record puts him at odds with Floridians and with the law.”
Background Information:
BILL NELSON SUPPORTED THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE
Nelson Voted To Kill An Amendment That Would Have Removed The Individual Mandate From The Health Care Bill. “Baucus, D-Mont., motion to table (kill) the Ensign, R-Nev. amendment no. 3710 that would repeal provisions of the 2010 health care overhaul law that provide for IRS penalties for certain taxpayers that do not obtain basic health insurance coverage.” (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #101: Motion agreed to 58-40: R 0-40; D 56-0; I 2-0, 3/25/10, Nelson Voted Yea)
In 2010, Nelson Opposed The Johanns Amendment Which Loosened The Individual Mandate. “Democrats contended Johanns’ amendment would gut health care reform. About 2 million people would opt out of insurance coverage if the individual mandate was eased, which would raise insurance premiums for everyone else, they contended. ‘The whole idea was to get more people into the system,’ said Senator Bill Nelson, Democrat of Florida.” (Kent Hoover, “Small Business Bill Takes Huge Step,” The[Cincinnati, OH] Business Courier, 9/14/10)
Orlando Sentinel: “Supporters Of The Individual Mandate, Including Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson Of Florida, Insist Lawyers In Congress Have Thoroughly Researched It And Are Confident It Passes Constitutional Muster. There Are Many Lawyers Beyond Capitol Hill Who Agree.” (Editorial, “Clear Up Reform Doubt,” Orlando Sentinel, 1/8/10)
