South Carolina Fights Back

State lawmakers vote to block health care mandates

Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 1:28 p.m.

COLUMBIA (AP) -- South Carolina legislators have given initial approval to two measures aimed at derailing the massive health care overhaul signed by President Obama.

A Senate Judiciary subcommittee Wednesday approved a bill and proposed constitutional amendment that would require South Carolina's attorney general to sue the federal government over mandates that people buy health insurance.

The 4-1 votes come a day after Obama signed the nearly $1 trillion overhaul. Attorneys general from 13 states, including South Carolina, immediately sued.

State GOP Sen. Mike Rose of Summerville said his bill would boost South Carolina's challenge by putting the directive to sue in state law. Democratic Sen. Brad Hutto of Orangeburg called the legislation a waste of time.