12 Federal Officials speak on the Constitutionality of the Insurance Mandate (Compiled, W/Audio)

[court jester]

"Where in the U.S. Constitution does the Federal Government find the authority to mandate that Citizens buy any goods or services?"

Federal Officials have different opinions:

Sen. Reed: Insurance Mandate is Constitutional Like Conscription
http://www.cnsnews.com/cnsnewstv/v/Gd6UZu2GkU

Sen. Merkley: Authority to Force People to Buy Health Insurance is Part of Congress's 'Very First Enumerated Power'
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/56968

Sen. Feinstein 'Assumes' Commerce Clause Gives Congress Unlimited Authority to Mandate Health Insurance
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/58937

Sen. McCaskill Doesn’t Say Where Congress Gets Power To Mandate Health Insurance, But Cites Auto Insurance At State Level
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/59036

Sen. Lautenberg Declines To Say Where Congress Gets Constitutional Authority To Mandate Health Insurance
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/59037

Sen. Brown: Constitution Gives Congress Power to Mandate Health Insurance In ‘Same Place’ As Medicare
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/59068

Sen. Conrad ‘Assumes’ Constitution’s Commerce Clause Gives Congress Power To Mandate Buying Health Insurance
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/58988

Rep. Hoyer Suggests Mandate Requiring Every Person To Buy Health Insurance Is ‘Constitutional’
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/63256

Sen. Sanders: Constitutional Power To Mandate Health Insurance 'Probably' in Same Place as Medicare
http://cnsnews.com/cnsnewstv/v/GdaGeuytaG

House Judiciary Chairman Conyers Says Constitution's Non-Existent ‘Good and Welfare Clause’ Authorizes Congress...
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/63182

When Asked Where the Constitution Authorizes Congress to Order Americans To Buy Health Insurance, Pelosi Says: 'Are You Serious?'
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/55971

Rep.Phil Hare: I 'Don't Worry' About Constitution
http://www.zimbio.com/Phil+Hare/articles/TJblYsu1Ki6/Phil+Hare+Don+t+Worry+Constitution+Video

Fascinating, the different opinions!
Seemingly, no news orgs besides zimbio or cns can seem to bring this issue up with our Honorable Representatives.
Curious, that.

[kentuck]

1. Page 331 of the bill says there is no penalty...

if you don't pay the fine.

[area51]

3. No penalty,

except where if you have a tax refund due you won't get it.

[Zen Democrat]

2. A mandate without enforcement is more an urging or a suggestion.

I think the purpose was to make people to believe they MUST buy the insurance, but without an enforceable fine or penalty of any kind, it's at best an urgent plea. That's not unconstitutional. And it will further screw the insurance companies looking for these millions of coerced buyers who are now free to walk away. I think the Dems pulled a fast one on this! Finally!