BOISE -- Idaho House Republicans passed a measure meant to scuttle proposed federal health care reforms that would require residents or companies to buy insurance.
The "Idaho Health Freedom Act" passed on a 52-18 vote on Tuesday. It would require the state to sue the federal government over any health insurance mandates.
The measure, which divided Democrats and Republicans across the nation, now goes to the Senate.
Similar measures are up for consideration in three dozen other states.
During debate on the House floor, Rep. Raul Labrador, an Eagle Republican running in the GOP primary for Congress, told colleagues that passing this bill now will help prevent the federal government from foisting a top-down solution on states.
All Democrats objected, with House Minority Leader John Rusche contending this measure is premature -- Congress has passed no reforms, so far -- and will interfere with efforts to cut costs and improve the damaged U.S. health care system.
