Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation Thursday giving her the power to sue the federal government over the new health care legislation.

 

Brewer sought the authorization, contending Congress and President Obama overstepped their legal authority by requiring states to continue funding their own health care programs at current levels to qualify for expanded federal aid in 2014.

 

Governor calls special health care session She also contends it is illegal for the federal government to mandate that individuals purchase health insurance for themselves or face a fine. The law, which passed with only Republican votes, follows the announcement by Attorney General Terry Goddard, a Democrat, that he would not join in a lawsuit filed by 13 other states challenging the federal law.