WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins released the following statement after U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson ruled in a Florida court that it is unconstitutional for the government to compel Americans to buy health insurance as mandated by President Obama’s health care law.

“From the beginning I have said I believe the Democrat’s government takeover of health care is unconstitutional. I applaud Judge Vinson’s decision to strike down the individual mandate in the Democrat’s health care reform legislation.”

“Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power “to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes.” But, nowhere in the U.S. Constitution did our founding fathers give Congress the authority to regulate commerce between individuals. Requiring all citizens to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty for failing to do so appears to be in violation of that clause. I am so glad to see that when unconstitutional legislation, such as this, is pushed through Congress, the judicial system is there to protect the American people.”

“I am proud that Kansas was among the 26 states challenging this flawed legislation, and I pledge that, as this suit makes its way to the Supreme Court, I will continue to look for ways to protect Kansans and all Americans from the overbearing and harmful health care reform law.”

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