Feds seek dismissal of health care overhaul suit

The Justice Department has asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit by 20 states challenging President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The motion filed late Wednesday says the U.S. District Court in Pensacola lacks subject-matter jurisdiction over some issues raised in the suit. The motion also says that parts of the lawsuit fail to state claims upon which relief can be granted for other issues.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said Thursday that the government's defenses clash with comments Obama made during the health care debate.

The government argues that requiring individuals to buy health insurance is an exercise of Congress' taxing authority. McCollum, though, says Obama claimed the requirement was not a tax.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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