House Fights Back Against Obama Health Overhaul

Florida Republicans continued to push back against new federal health-care laws as the House voted to send a constitutional amendment to the electorate in November that would allow Floridians to opt out of mandatory health insurance.

The House passed the measure 74-42 on a vote that closely mirrored party lines, with Democrats Leonard Bembry of Greenville, and Debbie Boyd of Newberry joining Republicans in backing it.

Immediately after President Barack Obama signed the new laws, Attorney General Bill McCollum filed litigation against the federal government to block it. Nineteen other states have joined the suit, with Alaska signing on earlier this week.

The amendment will be added to the state constitution if it garners 60 percent of the vote.