Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson voted today in favor of a motion to repeal the individual mandate, which requires individuals to purchase health insurance. The Motion to Recommit was offered by Congressman Dave Camp from Michigan.

“There can be little doubt that the mandate to purchase health insurance in Obamacare is unconstitutional and needs to be removed,” said Congressman Mike Simpson.

Simpson also noted that supporters of Obamacare who compare the mandate in the bill to requirements on automobile liability insurance are misguided. “Supporters of Obamacare often say, ‘You have to purchase car insurance, what is the difference?’ What they are missing is the freedom of choice. Individuals choose to buy and drive vehicles; it is not a requirement of citizenship. By mandating that all Americans purchase health insurance, the government is taking away your freedom to choose. We must repeal this mandate.”

The Motion failed with a vote of 230-187. Congressman Simpson is also a cosponsor of H.R.4995 which would repeal individual and employer mandates enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.