Justin Amash for Congress - Republican Justin Amash is the leading advocate for government restraint in the Michigan House of Representatives

House Republicans today called for a vote on two joint resolutions that propose amendments to Michigan's constitution to affirm the right to independent health care and prohibit the government from passing laws to compel any person to buy health insurance.

State Rep. Justin Amash, sponsor of House Joint Resolution Z, said the proposed amendments would protect the rights of Michigan residents from an overreaching federal government.

"Congress does not have the constitutional authority to require a person to purchase any good or service, whether it be government-approved health care, a home, or a car," said Amash, R-Cascade. "The health care bill exceeds Congress's powers, violates the 10th Amendment, and encroaches unconstitutionally on individual rights."

State Rep. Brian Calley, sponsor of House Joint Resolution CC, stated that no government should impose health care services on its citizens and that forcing people to buy insurance should never be allowed. "It is not the role of government to compel people to buy a health insurance plan," said Calley, R-Portland. "The federal government has no right to dictate how and when people can receive health care services."

Democratic leadership did not allow a vote on either joint resolution.

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