House opens debate on nullification bill

Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens, has opened the debate on HB 117, the health care nullification bill, urging support for the measure “with all the passion I can muster.” Barbieri said a federal judge’s decision in Florida that the federal health-care reform bill is unconstitutional “settles the issue.” He said, “But for its own reasons the White House continues apace, and worse, our state officials will not stop implementing the national mandate unless specifically directed to do so by this body. … This is Idaho’s moment.”

House Minority Leader John Rusche, D-Lewiston, responded, “I oppose this bill as a violation of the Constitution of the United States and of the Constitution of Idaho, both of which I have sworn to uphold.” He quoted George Washington, saying the idea that a state can “nullify” a federal law is “preposterous” and “would lead to the dissolution of the union.”