Health judge fears 'broccoli' mandate

By JENNIFER HABERKORN
12/16/10

PENSACOLA, Fla. — In a federal courtroom Thursday, Judge Roger Vinson questioned how far Congress’s authority would go if it can legally require nearly all Americans to purchase health insurance.
Could they "mandate everybody has to buy a certain amount of broccoli?” Vinson questioned, comparing the positive impact both could have on health. The comments came during oral arguments in the constitutional challenge 20 states have brought against the health reform law—just days after a federal judge in Virginia struck down the same controversial piece of President Obama’s signature legislation.

The federal government argued that health insurance and health care are unique markets and that Congress has the power to regulate them. the rest image