Idaho on health-care crash course with Congress

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter plans to put Idaho on a collision course with Congress over federal health care reform on Wednesday afternoon when he signs a new law that requires his state to sue to keep lawmakers in Washington, D.C. from requiring state residents to buy insurance.

Otter's move came as President Barack Obama's disputed health-care overhaul gained traction, with Democrats hoping to pass a bill by this weekend.

Republican-dominated Idaho isn't alone.

Last week, Virginia lawmakers passed a similar measure.

At least 34 states are considering resolutions, laws or constitutional amendments opposed to Obama's plans to require their residents to purchase health insurance.

Otter in December already warned U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that Idaho was considering litigation if health reform went through.