13 GOP state attorneys general sue to stop health care overhaul, claim it’s unconstitutional

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13 attorneys general sue over health care overhaul

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Attorneys general from 13 states are suing the federal government to stop the massive health care overhaul, claiming it’s unconstitutional.

The lawsuit was filed seven minutes after President Barack Obama signed the overhaul bill Tuesday. It names the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is taking the lead in the lawsuit. Attorneys general from South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Michigan, Utah, Pennsylvania, Alabama, South Dakota, Louisiana, Idaho, Washington and Colorado are joining in. Other GOP attorneys general may join the lawsuit later or sue separately.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Pensacola.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Republican attorneys general from 13 states are suing the federal government to stop the massive health care overhaul, claiming it’s unconstitutional.

The lawsuit was filed immediately after President Barack Obama signed the overhaul bill Tuesday. It names the U.S. departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury and Labor.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is taking the lead in the lawsuit. Attorneys general from South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Michigan, Utah, Pennsylvania, Alabama, South Dakota, Louisiana, Idaho, Washington and Colorado are joining in. Other GOP attorneys general may join the lawsuit later or sue separately.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Pensacola.

(This version CORRECTS that all 13 attorneys general are Republicans. Louisiana’s is a Democrat.)