Johanns calls for repeal of health care mandates

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Mike Johanns today cosponsored two bills to repeal unfair mandates in the new health care law. The American Liberty Restoration Act would repeal the individual mandate in the law that forces Americans to purchase health insurance by 2014 or pay a fine. The American Job Protection Act would repeal the employer mandate in the law that forces employers to provide health insurance for their employees or face a penalty.

"A line was crossed when Americans were told they have to purchase health insurance regardless of whether they want it," said Johanns. "This individual mandate is a direct assault on our Constitution and our individual freedoms. Additionally, forcing our citizens to pay a fine if they don't have government-approved insurance is nothing more than a tax hike, which even the Administration now admits, despite repeatedly promising not to raise taxes on the middle class.

"Requiring businesses to purchase government-prescribed insurance for their employees is a job killer and another colossal invasion on our rights. Employers throughout Nebraska are already thinking twice about hiring more workers due to all the new taxes and requirements in the health care law. Our businesses are trying to pull this country out of a recession and should be focused on expanding their companies and creating jobs. Imposing this employer mandate will only hurt the ability of unemployed Americans to find work."