Rep. Bryan Hughes Will File Legislation Protecting Texans From Federal Healthcare Takeover

Rep. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) announced today that he will file legislation as soon as the Texas Legislature is back in Session that protects Texans from the federal health care bill passed by the United States Congress last night. Hughes, the joint author of HCR 50, which asserted Texas' rights under the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, says legislation is necessary to protect Texans from the federal government's unconstitutional action on health care.

"The bill that passed last night is a radical departure from the role of government our founders put in the constitution," said Hughes. "There is no question that it will lead to increased taxes, fewer health care options, and more government control of our most basic personal decisions. For these reasons and so many others, I will file legislation protecting Texans from the federal bill as soon we are back in Session."

As an attorney licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, Hughes has particular concern over the unconstitutional nature of the federal bill. While a constitutional challenge in the courts is likely, he began drafting the legislation months ago, basing his draft on model legislation passed or introduced in thirty-eight states, including Arizona and Virginia.

"The bottom line is that Texans overwhelmingly oppose this bill and do not want to be forced into this unconstitutional scheme. I will do everything I can to defend the Constitution and my constituents," said Hughes.

Rep. Bryan Hughes has represented Camp, Harrison, Upshur and Wood counties in the Texas House of Representatives since 2003. He is Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, serves on the House Human Services Committee, and is co-chairman of a joint committee responsible for overseeing the state's welfare reform efforts.