A constitutional amendment was just introduced in Congress in response to the backlash against Obama’s healthcare overhaul. But the chances of it affecting the reform law are negligible.
It’s being called the “repeal amendment.” And if it’s passed it would allow any federal law or regulation to be repealed if the legislatures of three-quarters of the states voted to do so.
So far, it has the backing of several Republican lawmakers, as well as groups behind several lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the healthcare reform law’s mandate requiring individuals to purchase health insurance, according to a recent report in The New York Times.
Such an amendment would have the power to dismantle controversial acts of government – like the White House’s attempt to overhaul the nation’s healthcare system – if enacted. But that’s a big “if.”
To be enacted, both the Senate and the House would have to vote to check their own power. Then 38 state legislatures would have to approve the amendment.
As a result, constitutional amendments that have been enacted have historically taken years to make it through the ratification process.
Thus, it’s unlikely the move will have any effect on healthcare reform. It could mean the repeal of future statues that prove to be unpopular with the public, however.
Would you like to see the amendment enacted? Do you think it has a chance? Share your opinions in the Comments Box below.
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