In another salvo against the federal Affordable Care Act, some Republicans in West Virginia’s House of Delegates want to make it a crime for state and federal officials to enforce the health-care law.
Under the GOP-backed bill (HB2509), federal employees would face felony charges, while state workers would be arrested for a misdemeanor offense, if they try to administer any federal regulations under the Affordable Care Act. The legislation also declares the federal health-care law “invalid” in West Virginia. [snip]
Six House Republicans are sponsoring the bill: Delegates Larry Faircloth, Pat McGeehan, Michel Moffatt, Kayla Kessinger, Michael Ihle and Josh Nelson. Most belong to the House’s tea party faction.But aren't you
The House Health and Human Resources Committee took up the bill Tuesday afternoon. In response to questions by House Democrats, the committee’s lawyer acknowledged it would be difficult — and possibly unconstitutional — to prosecute state and federal workers who administered ACA regulations. The attorney also agreed that the legislation could jeopardize health insurance for thousands of West Virginians. (our emphasis)Yeah, that's it - The Constitution. Also, see "War, Civil."
Not surprisingly, West Virginny ranks Number 8 among States in its dependence on the Federal Government. These
BONUS: Charles P. Pierce has the full panoply of Republican nuttery going on in West Virginny here. (Hint: West Virginny might be hazardous to your health.)
(Image: Unidentified West Virginny Republican Delegate)
