Top Court To Examine Obama-Heinrich ‘Individual Mandate’

As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments on President Barack Obama’s massive health care overhaul, New Mexico voters are reminded that liberal U.S. Congressman Martin Heinrich not only voted for ObamaCare, including its onerous “individual mandate,” but supported an even more extreme version of government-run health care.

The Associated Press reports:

The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear arguments next March over President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul – a case that could shake the political landscape just as voters are about to decide if Obama deserves another term. The decision to hear arguments in the spring allows plenty of time for a decision in late June, just over four months before Election Day. This sets up an election-year showdown over the White House’s main domestic policy achievement. The justices announced they will hear more than five hours of arguments, an extraordinarily long session, from lawyers on the constitutionality of a provision at the heart of the law and other related questions about the act. The central provision in question is the requirement that individuals buy health insurance starting in 2014 or pay a penalty.

“The Supreme Court’s decision to weigh in on the Obama-Heinrich health care overhaul is yet another reminder to New Mexicans that Martin Heinrich not only voted to make this onerous federal mandate as the law of the land, but he supported an even more extreme version of government-run health care” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox.  “It’s clear that if elected to the Senate, Heinrich would continue to put his loyalty to President Obama’s liberal agenda over the best interests of New Mexico.”

Background Information: 

LIBERAL CONGRESSMAN MARTIN HEINRICH NOT ONLY SUPPORTED OBAMACARE, HE SUPPORTED A ROBUST PUBLIC OPTION 

Heinrich Voted For The Health Care Overhaul Reconciliation. (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #167: Passed 220-211: R 0-178; D 220-33, 3/21/10, Heinrich Voted Yea) 

Heinrich Had A “Strong Commitment” To A “Robust Public Option.” “In a letter sent to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) reiterated his strong commitment to health insurance reform legislation that includes a robust public option that will provide greater choice and lower costs for American consumers.” (Congressman Martin Heinrich, “Heinrich Urges Speaker And Majority Leader To Include Public Option In Health Insurance Reform Bill,” Press Release, 9/30/09)

The Public Option Was A “Central Component Of Rep. Heinrich’s Principles On Health Insurance Reform.” “The public option would be a government-run insurance plan that competes with private insurance companies to hold down rates, and has been a central component of Rep. Heinrich’s principles on health insurance reform.” (Congressman Martin Heinrich, “Heinrich Urges Speaker And Majority Leader To Include Public Option In Health Insurance Reform Bill,” Press Release, 9/30/09)

Heinrich: “The Benefits Of Reform That Includes A Robust Public Option Would Be Large And Immediate For New Mexicans.” (Congressman Martin Heinrich, “Heinrich Urges Speaker And Majority Leader To Include Public Option In Health Insurance Reform Bill,” Press Release, 9/30/09)

HEINRICH ALSO SUPPORTED AN EVEN MORE EXTREME LIBERAL VERSION OF GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTHCARE

In November 2009, Heinrich Voted For The More Liberal House-Passed Health Care Bill That Contained A Public Option. “Passage of the bill that would overhaul the nation’s health insurance system and require most individuals to buy health insurance by 2013. It would create the Health Choices Administration tasked with establishing a federal health insurance exchange, including a government-run public health insurance option, to allow individuals without coverage to purchase insurance. Those that do not obtain coverage would be subject to an excise tax. Excluded from the mandate would be those exempt from filing income tax and others with a hardship waiver. Employers would be required to offer health insurance to employees or contribute to a fund for coverage. Businesses that fail to provide coverage could face penalties of up to 8 percent of their payroll. It would provide tax credits to certain small businesses for providing coverage; provide subsidies to individuals making up to four times the federal poverty level, excluding illegal immigrants; and allow states to enter into compacts to facilitate coverage purchase across state lines. The bill would bar the use of federal funds to provide abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or if the woman’s life is in danger. It also would bar insurance companies from denying or reducing coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions.” (H.R. 3962, CQ Vote #887: Passed 220-215: R 1-176; D 219-39, 11/7/09, Heinrich Voted Yea)