BOISE -- Idaho lawmakers have taken another step against proposed federal health care legislation.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted 6-3 Wednesday in favor of Hayden Republican Rep. Jim Clark's "Health Freedom Act," which rejects a federal measure that would make all Americans have health care insurance.
Republicans said the Constitution and legal precedent already protect states' rights to some extent. But they said Clark's measure will make sure the federal government can't impose its will on Idaho.
Democrats argue Clark's bill is pointless because Congress hasn't yet passed health care reform legislation.
The issue has divided Republicans and Democrats across the nation. The House passed the bill last week split along party lines.
The measure now moves to the Senate for debate.
