Freedom and Liberty

Body: House | Journal Page: 9197 
Scored? Yes | Right Vote: N
Author: Seifert
Acting on: HF1671  Date: 03/22/2010
Result: Ruling Upheld 86 - 48
(Updated: 07/01/2010 | Copyright © BillsandVotes.com)

On the morning after passage in Washington of ObamaCare, Rep. Seifert offered an amendment (LINK) to direct Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson to file a lawsuit in federal district court.  The amendment directed Swanson to challenge "the federal government's authority under the United States Constitution to regulate interstate commerce to force individuals to buy health insurance."  Seifert incorporated language in his amendment to use the Legislature's carry forward money to pay any costs associated with the filing. 

The amendment would have added Minnesota to the list of states to challenge ObamaCare.  As of March 22, ten state AG's said they planned to challenge the legislation.  Rep. Carlson challenged the germaness of the amendment and the Speaker found the point of order well taken.  Seifert challenged the ruling and asked for a roll call.  There are plausible arguments in both directions on the germaness of the amendment, but since germaness rulings are mostly about politics, not parliamentary procedure, vote N0 against the Speaker's ruling and in favor the of the Seifert amendment.