Politics & Government

U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio Introduces First Resolution

Amendment would prohibit financial penalties for those who do not buy health care.

U.S. Rep. Kerry Bentivolio, R-Milford, on Wednesday introduced his first House Joint Resolution, H.J.Res 27, which would amend the Constitution of the United States to prevent Congress from using its taxing authority in order to force someone to engage in commerce, according to a news release from Bentivolio's office.

Bentivolio represents Michigan's 11th Congressional District. 

According to the release, the amendment would prohibit the federal government from inflicting financial penalties on individuals who decline to purchase health care in the marketplace.

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“Americans should not be penalized because they have made the economic decision to not purchase a product or service,” Bentivolio said in the news release. “Our country became an exceptional nation because our forefathers created a limited government. The Supreme Court ruling last June undermined that idea. I constantly remind my fellow members of Congress that we are here to protect the rights of the people, not take them away. That is exactly what I am doing here with this amendment.”

The resolution was introduced on Wednesday evening and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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