TRENTON — State Senate Democrats today got into a tug of war with conservatives over the new federal health care law, with Gov. Chris Christie in the middle. Tempers flared as Democrats advanced a resolution urging Christie not to join with 20 other states in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn the law and claims its mandate for individuals...
Gov. Chris Christie spoke to seniors about rolling back cuts in health care at the Gregorio Towers in Linden, in this May 2010 file photo.TRENTON — State Senate Democrats today got into a tug of war with conservatives over the new federal health care law, with Gov. Chris Christie in the middle.
Tempers flared as Democrats advanced a resolution urging Christie not to join with 20 other states in a lawsuit that seeks to overturn the law and claims its mandate for individuals to purchase insurance is unconstitutional.
It was approved 6-3 along party lines by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, and now moves to a vote in the full Senate. Christie has not said what he will do other than that he will consult with advisers on whether the state should sign on to the lawsuit.
Conservative groups pushing Christie to join the suit grew impatient as they waited in the hallway while the committee considered other measures. Led by Steve Lonegan, state director of Americans for Prosperity, they chanted "Let us in!"
"Maybe it’s training for lining up to wait for Obama’s health care," said Lonegan.
State Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), a sponsor, was annoyed when one opponent used the term "Obamacare," saying it was disrespectful to President Obama. He defended the mandate to buy health care as necessary to reduce costs.
"It’s not perfect. Nothing ever is. But if we don’t get everyone in the pool, swimming in the same direction, insurance is not going to be affordable for anyone," he said.
The resolution did not influence Christie.
"He will do what he believes is in the best interests of the citizens and taxpayers of New Jersey," said spokesman Michael Drewniak. "This is not about politics, but about the facts and how they (affect) New Jersey."
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• N.J. doctors group files suit to overturn U.S. health care legislation